Slenderstem Peavine, Marsh pea
Lathyrus palustris
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Lathyrus palustris is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. 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 moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Fens and damp places in grass or bushes,
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Spain, Siberia and Japan. E. N. America
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked. The fully grown seeds are shelled and cooked as a vegetable. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves and stems - cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
A good plant for the bog or marsh garden, succeeding in wet soils. It is easily grown in any moderately good garden soil, preferring a position in full sun. Plants climb by means of tendrils. 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: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
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.