Everlasting-pea (Lathyrus latifolius, Sp. Pl.: 733 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 733 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & S. Europe, NW. Africa

Description

The Everlasting-pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus latifolius, is a perennial flowering plant cherished for its vibrant and enduring blooms. Documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species holds a notable position in botanical literature.

Belonging to the Fabaceae family, the Everlasting-pea can be found thriving across regions of Eastern and Southern Europe as well as in Northwestern Africa. This broad distribution reflects its adaptability to various climates and soils, making it a resilient and versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.

The plant is well-regarded for its climbing habit, supported by tendrils that allow it to scale trellises and fences, creating an appealing cascade of color. The flowers of Lathyrus latifolius are typically vivid shades of pink, purple, or white, forming in clusters that bloom throughout the summer months. These blossoms are not only visually delightful but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological health of their surroundings.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Everlasting-pea is its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with root-dwelling bacteria. This natural process enhances soil fertility and supports the growth of neighboring plants, thereby benefiting garden ecosystems.

Despite its beauty and benefits, it’s important to note that Lathyrus latifolius can exhibit vigorous growth, potentially becoming invasive in certain regions if not properly managed. Gardeners are advised to regularly trim and control its spread to maintain a balanced and harmonious garden environment.

In conclusion, the Everlasting-pea, with its rich history and ecological value, remains a favored plant among horticulturists and nature enthusiasts. Its attractive blooms, environmental benefits, and resilience make Lathyrus latifolius a splendid choice for enhancing both cultivated and natural landscapes.

Common Names

Deu: breitblaettrige platterbse, breitblättrige platterbse
Eng: broad-leaved everlasting pea, broad-leaved everlasting-pea, broadleaf everlasting-pea, everlasting pea, everlasting peavine, everlasting-pea, perennial pea, perennial peavine, perennial sweet pea, perennial sweetpea, perennial-pea, broad-leaf everlasting pea, broad-leaved sweet pea, broadleaf everlasting pea, broadleaf peavine, garden everlasting pea
Dan: flerårig fladbælg, flerårig ærteblomst
Pol: groszek szerokolistny
Cat: pèsol bord
Swe: rosenvial, rosenvial/vingvial
Fin: ruusunätkelmä
Nld: brede lathyrus
Fra: gesse à feuilles larges, gesse à large feuilles, pois vivace
Ita: cicerchia a foglie larghe
Zho: kuan ye shan li dou
Cym: ytbys fythol llydanddail, ytbysen barbara lydanddail, ytbysen barhaus, ytbysen fythol lydanddail
En: Everlasting-pea, Perennial-pea, Broadleaf everlasting-pea, Everlasting pea, Perennial Sweet Pea, Perennial pea, Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea, Perennial sweetpea, Everlasting peavine, Perennial peavine, Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea, Broad-Leaf Everlasting Pea, Broad-leaved sweet pea, Garden Everlasting Pea, Broadleaf everlasting pea, Broadleaf peavine
Ar: جلبان عريض الأوراق
Hy: Տափոլոռ խոզանատերև
Bg: Широколистно секирче
Ca: Pèsol bord
Zh: Kuan ye shan li dou, 宽叶山黧豆
Cs: Hrachor širolistý
Da: Flerårig fladbælg, Flerårig ærteblomst
Nl: Brede lathyrus, Breedbladige Lathyrus
Et: Laialehine seahernes
Fi: Ruusunätkelmä
Fr: “Gesse à larges feuilles, Pois vivace”, Pois vivace, Gesse à feuilles larges, Gesse à Large Feuilles, Gesse à larges feuilles, Pois à bouquets, Pois de Chine
De: Breitblättrige Platterbse, Breitblatt-Platterbse, Breitblaettrige Platterbse
It: Cicerchia a foglie larghe, Pisello a mazzetti, Pisello vivace
Lt: Plačialapis pelėžirnis
Pl: Groszek szerokolistny
Pt: Cizirão-de-flor-grande
Sk: Hrachor širokolistý
Es: Albejana
Sv: Rosenvial, Rosenvial/vingvial
Zh-tw: 寛葉山黧豆
Uk: Чина широколиста
Cy: Ytbysen fythol lydanddail, Ytbys Fythol Llydanddail, Ytbysen Barbara Lydanddail, Ytbysen Barhaus

Synonyms

• Pisum latifolium ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Lathyrus sylvestris var. platyphyllos (Wahlenb.)
• Lathyrus sylvestris var. latifolius ((L.) Fiori)
• Lathyrus sylvestris subsp. latifolius ((L.) Arcang.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 3, 2015 by Manuel Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Christian TANGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2018 by Paul Chaumillon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2019 by Sylvain De Weerdt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Polinella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by Delphine Delphine D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2019 by benoit T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Elfenbeinspecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by indipiku (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Vincent-bdr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Waldemar Fleisch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Polinella (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 22, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Gaël Covain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Climent M. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501802-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356517)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus latifolius L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.8

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3