Bush Vetchling
Lathyrus ornatus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Lathyrus ornatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Prairies and plains. Dry open pinewoods, 1500 - 2100 metres in Arizona.

Western N. America - Oklahoma to Kansas and South Dakota, west to Colorado and Utah.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seedpods - cooked.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used to help remove the placenta after child birth. The plant has disinfectant properties, a cold infusion has been used internally and as a wash in the treatment of 'deer infection'.

Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.

Disinfectant: Used for cleaning wounds.

Other

Rating:

Disinfectant: Plants used for disinfecting.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious). Great caution is advised.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. eucosmus. Butters.&St.John.