Everlasting-Pea is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in waste ground and coastal areas, to a mature height of up to 200cm.
Broad-Leaved Everlasting-Pea was introduced into the UK as a garden plant, but has been established in the wild since the seventeenth century. It is a scrambling plant, clasping onto other plants using its tendrils. It has paired oval leaves with prominent veins arranged at intervals along its winged, zig-zagging stems. The flower colour in the Broad-Leaved Everlasting-Pea is variable and may be magenta, lilac, pink or white (but each plant usually has flowers of a single colour).
Botanic classification and naming: Everlasting-Pea is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name
'Lathyrus' identifies the plant as a Vetchling and its species name 'latifolius' means 'broad-leaved plant'.
Concerns: This plant, but especially the seed, contains a toxic amino-acid affecting the nervous system, causing a serious condition affecting muscle control known as 'Lathyrism'.
Benefits: Broad-Leaved Everlasting Pea has root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These make atmospheric nitrogen available to feed the plant and enrich the soil.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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