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Lathyrus nervosus - Lam.

Common Name Lord Anson's Pea
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards 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)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.
Habitats Coastal sands, gravel and open grassland[69, 133].
Range S. America - Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Lathyrus nervosus Lord Anson


http://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/
Lathyrus nervosus Lord Anson
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Lathyrus nervosus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. magellanicus. Lam.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:

Seed - cooked[2, 105, 133]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. Prefers a rich soil in a cool position in sun or semi-shade with plenty of moisture in the growing season[187]. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[187]. A very ornamental plant[1] it is a short-lived perennial[175]. Plants scramble through other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[188, 219]. There has been much confusion in the naming of this plant, two separate names (L. nervosus and L. magellanicus) having been given to what was believed to be different plants. According to one report, L. magellanicus is a distinct species with minor botanical differences and is somewhat hardier than L. nervosus[133]. The two species now seem to have been united under this name[200]. Young plants are extremely attractive to rabbits[K]. 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[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Lathyrus alatus Perennial0.6 -  LMHSNM10 
Lathyrus aphacaYellow-Flowered PeaAnnual0.9 -  LMHNDM11 
Lathyrus ciceraChickling Vetch, Red peaAnnual0.0 0-0  LMHNM10 
Lathyrus davidii Perennial1.2 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Lathyrus japonicusBeach Pea, Smallflower beach peaPerennial0.6 3-7  LMHNDM20 
Lathyrus japonicus maritimusBeach PeaPerennial0.6 3-7  LMHNDM203
Lathyrus latifoliusPerennial Sweet Pea, Perennial peaPerennial Climber2.0 5-9 FLMHSNDM102
Lathyrus linifolius montanusBitter VetchPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHSNM203
Lathyrus ochroleucasCream PeavinePerennial1.0 -  LMHSNM11 
Lathyrus ochrusCyprus VetchAnnual0.6 -  LMHNDM10 
Lathyrus odoratusSweet Pea, Wild Pea,VetchlingAnnual Climber2.0 2-11 FLMHSNM103
Lathyrus ornatusBush VetchlingPerennial0.3 3-7  LMHNDM11 
Lathyrus palustrisSlenderstem Peavine, Marsh peaPerennial Climber1.2 4-8  LMHNMWe10 
Lathyrus polymorphusManystem Peavine, Hoary peaPerennial0.4 0-0  LMHNM10 
Lathyrus pratensisMeadow VetchlingPerennial1.2 4-8  LMHNMWe011
Lathyrus quinquenervius Perennial0.6 -  LMHNMWe10 
Lathyrus sativusChickling Pea, White peaAnnual0.6 0-0  LMHNM213
Lathyrus sylvestrisFlat pea, Wood peaPerennial Climber1.5 6-9 FLMHSNM003
Lathyrus tuberosusEarthnut Pea, Tuberous sweetpeaPerennial1.2 5-9  LMHSNM503

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Lam.

Botanical References

69200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Mark Rowland   Tue Feb 13 2007

L. magellanicus is a distinct species with very different leaves and flowers. See Norton,Sylvia(1996):Lathyrus - Cousins of the Sweet Pea. NCCPG. L. nervosus is not really a climber and is better sprawling downwards. It dislikes winter wet, and the flowers have a fragrance resembling kerosine.

Owl's Acre Sweet Peas Photo, information, seed for sale

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future   Sun Feb 18 2007

Thank you Mark for your comments and your excellent web site. Having reviewed the current literature about these species, I must agree with you that they are best treated as distinct species. The database will be amended accordingly in the near future.

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Subject : Lathyrus nervosus  
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