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broad-leaved sweet pea

Lathyrus latifolius

The broad-leaved sweet pea is a lovely flower that grows in many gardens. It has big, green leaves and colorful flowers that can be pink, purple, or white. These flowers smell sweet and attract butterflies!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The broad-leaved sweet pea has vibrant clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers on long, winged stems. Its most distinctive feature is its pairs of wide, flattened leaves, which give the plant its name. These features help it climb and sprawl gracefully.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLathyrus
broad-leaved sweet pea
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broad-leaved sweet pea

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it's called 'sweet pea,' its seeds are not for eating and should be avoided!

Its scientific name, Lathyrus latifolius, means 'broad-leaved vetchling' in Latin!

This tough perennial can live for many years, often growing back bigger and stronger each spring!

Unlike many sweet peas, the broad-leaved variety has little to no fragrance, letting its vibrant colors shine!

Special abilities

Ability

Climbing Conqueror

Broad-leaved sweet pea can grow strong tendrils that wrap around supports, helping it climb high to reach more sunlight.

Ability

Nitrogen Ninja

This plant has special bacteria in its roots that help it enrich the soil with important nutrients, aiding its own growth.

Ability

Root Resilience

Broad-leaved sweet pea can grow deep, tough roots, helping it survive dry spells and grow back year after year.

Measurements & details

Height
150-300 cm
Spread
60-180 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Feeds on flower nectar and pollen

symbiotic with

Rhizobium bacterium

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Lives in roots, fixes nitrogen for plant

eats

Grey field slug

Deroceras reticulatum

May feed on leaves and young shoots

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or picking flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is broad-leaved sweet pea?

150-300 cm

How wide does broad-leaved sweet pea spread?

60-180 cm

How big are the flowers on broad-leaved sweet pea?

2-4 cm

When does broad-leaved sweet pea bloom?

Summer

Is broad-leaved sweet pea edible?

No

Is broad-leaved sweet pea toxic?

Mild

What is broad-leaved sweet pea's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is broad-leaved sweet pea pollinated?

Insect

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