Cream Peavine
Lathyrus ochroleucas
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Lathyrus ochroleucas is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Dry or moist woods, slopes and rocky banks.
N. America - Quebec to British Columbia, south to New Jersey, Illinois, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used like potatoes, they can be stored in pits in the garden.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant has been used in the treatment of stomach aches.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. Since this is a woodland species it should succeed in semi-shade. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: 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.