Sweet pea

Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a flowering plant in the genus Lathyrus in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Sicilian region, but has been widely cultivated for its fragrant and colorful flowers.

Description

The sweet pea is an annual plant, growing to a height of 1–2 meters. The leaves are pinnate with two leaflets and a terminal tendril, which enables the plant to twine around supporting plants and structures. The flowers are purple, pink, white, or multicolored, and are highly fragrant. The fruit is a legume, containing several seeds.

Cultivation

Sweet peas have been cultivated since the 17th century and a vast number of cultivars are commercially available. They are grown for their attractive flowers and strong fragrance. They are sown in soil in the spring or autumn and require a sunny position and well-drained soil. They are often grown up trellises or other supports.

Uses

Sweet peas are popular in floristry for their attractive flowers and strong fragrance. They are also used in gardens for their decorative value and to attract pollinators.

Toxicity

Despite their name, sweet peas are not edible. The seeds contain a neurotoxin known as ODAP which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if ingested in large quantities.

See also

• List of Lathyrus species
• Floriculture
• Gardening