Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 732 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lathyrus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Italy, Sicilia
Description
The Sweet-pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, is a flowering plant that enchants many with its vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrance. First documented in 1753, this species by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L., has captivated plant enthusiasts and gardeners for centuries.
Native to Southern Italy and the island of Sicily, the Sweet-pea thrives in Mediterranean climates. Its natural habitat contributes to its moderate tolerance for dry conditions and the preference for well-drained soils, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings around the world.
The Sweet-pea belongs to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family. This lineage is renowned for its ecological benefits, particularly its ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. As such, Lathyrus odoratus not only adds beauty to gardens but also contributes to the health and sustainability of the soil in which it grows.
This mid-sized flowering plant produces climbing vines adorned with delicate, sweet-smelling blossoms that can display a spectrum of colors including whites, pinks, purples, and blues. These ornate flowers have made Sweet-peas a favored choice for ornamental gardening and floral arrangements.
Cultivation of Sweet-peas often begins with sowing seeds in late winter to early spring, in a nutrient-rich, well-ventilated soil mix. Supporting structures such as trellises or fences help these climbers reach their full potential, sometimes extending to several feet in height. Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms can prolong the flowering period and encourage lush growth.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, Sweet-peas also play a role in traditional medicine and cultural symbolism. Historically, they have been used for their purported therapeutic properties, although such uses are less common in contemporary practice. In the language of flowers, Sweet-peas are symbols of delicate pleasure and blissful pleasures.
Overall, the Sweet-pea is much more than an ornamental addition to gardens; it is a plant steeped in history, cultural significance, and environmental benefits. Its delicate petals and delightful scent continue to bring joy and elegance to any landscape, proving that its charm has enduring appeal.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig ærteblomst
Deu: duft-platterbse, duftende platterbse, duftwicke, gartenwicke
Lit: kvapusis pelėžirnis
Fra: pois de senteur, gesse odorante, pois fleur, pois d’odeur
Eng: sweet pea, sweetpea, sweet-pea, guisante de olor
Spa: chorreque, guisante de olor, frijol de olor
Por: ervilha-de-cheiro, ervilha-doce, ervilheira-de-cheiro
Ces: hrachor vonný, hrachor voňavý
Swe: luktärt
Ell: moschompizelo
Hun: szagos lednek
Nld: pronkerwt
Cym: pys pêr, pysen bêr
Zho: xiang wan dou
En: Sweet-pea, Nasturtium, Pansy, Sweet Pea, Viola, Violet, Sweetpea, Guisante de Olor, Pois Fleur, Sweet vetchling
Ar: بسلة الزهور
Hy: Հոտավետ ոլոռիկ
Az: Ətirli güllücə
Be: Чына пахучая
Bg: Сладък грах
Ca: Pèsol d’olor
Zh: Xiang wan dou, 香豌豆
Cs: Hrachor vonný, Hrachor voňavý
Da: Almindelig Ærteblomst
Nl: Pronkerwt, Reukerwt
Et: Lillhernes
Fi: Tuoksuherne, Tuoksunätkelmä
Fr: Gesse odorante, Pois de senteur, “Pois de senteur, Gesse odorante”, Pois Fleur, Pois d’odeur, Pois musqué
De: Duftwicke, Gartenwicke, Duft-Platterbse, Edelwicke, Duftende Platterbse, Duft-Wicke, Bunte Wicke
El: Γλυκό μπιζέλι, Moschompizelo
He: אפונה ריחנית
Hu: Szagos lednek
Io: Latiro
It: Cicerchia odorosa, Pisello odoroso
Ko: 스위트피
Lt: Kvapusis pelėžirnis
Mk: Мирислив граор
Ml: സ്വീറ്റ് പീ
No: Blomsterert
Fa: گل نخود
Pl: Groszek pachnący
Pt: Ervilha-de-cheiro, Ervilha-doce, Ervilheira-de-cheiro, Ervilha De Cheiro
Ru: Душистый горошек
Sr: Ukrasni grašak
Es: Chorreque, Guisante de olor, Frijol de Olor, Caracolillo de olor, Chicharito de olor, Guisante dulce, Látiro de olor
Sv: Luktärt
Tl: Gisantes
Zh-tw: 香豌豆
Tg: Мулкакгул
Uk: Чина запашна
Cy: Pysen bêr, Pys Pêr
Synonyms
- Lathyrus odoratus var. zeylanicus (L.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. roseovittata (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. carneus (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. roseoalbus (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus-zeylanicus (Burm.f.)
- Pisum odoratum ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. siculus (L.)
- Lathyrus odoratus f. pleniflorus (Moldenke)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. albus (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. pardalinus (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. ater (Alef.)
- Lathyrus odoratus var. vulgaris (Alef.)
- Lathyrus maccaguenii (Tod. ex Nyman)
- Lathyrus cyprius (Rech.f.)
Distribution
- Italy (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Central European Rus (introduced)
- Cyprus (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- East European Russia (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Galápagos (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Iraq (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Kazakhstan (introduced)
- Kirgizstan (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Krym (introduced)
- Libya (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- North Caucasus (introduced)
- Northwest European R (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Primorye (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Rwanda (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Turkmenistan (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 17, 2020 by chriselis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Martin Sanford (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Nemo Vee (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tamara Quinders (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2017 by robert plante (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 15, 2018 by F. Moskovic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2017 by robylussi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Rane (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2018 by Jean-Daniel BLARD (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Killiane Sardi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Johanna Blume (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Marie-Thérèse Robinet (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Harriem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Luca Borghesio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Huszti Jozsef (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2017 by SPS Karvina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by trees flinkerbusch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Silvana Mendicino (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2019 by natalia scrobota (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Sigrid Jorissen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (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)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356514)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501909-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus odoratus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb
