# Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea (*Lathyrus sylvestris*)

The Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea is a pretty plant with long, narrow leaves and bright pink flowers. It loves to climb and can often be found growing on fences and walls, making it a lovely addition to gardens.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Urban areas, gardens

![Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dettaglio_-_Leguminosae_Lathyrus_sylvestris_B._ensifolius_%28Bad%29_Lin._Erbario_Frizzi_Perugia_n._2126.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Giuseppe Frizzi, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dettaglio_-_Leguminosae_Lathyrus_sylvestris_B._ensifolius_%28Bad%29_Lin._Erbario_Frizzi_Perugia_n._2126.jpg)

## Appearance

The Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea has striking clusters of pink-purple, pea-shaped flowers. Its slender, lance-like leaves and prominent winged stems help it climb other plants, adding vibrant color to its surroundings.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Fabales
- **Family:** Fabaceae
- **Genus:** Lathyrus

## Interesting facts

- It can live for many years, which is why it's called 'everlasting'!
- Its stems have flat 'wings' that help it climb even better!
- Unlike common peas, this plant's seeds are not safe for humans to eat.
- Watch its flowers closely, they can change from pink to purplish as they get older!

## Special abilities

- **Climbing King:** Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea can grow special curly tendrils from its leaves to grab onto other plants, helping it climb high for sunshine.
- **Soil Helper:** Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea can team up with tiny root bacteria to pull nitrogen from the air, making the soil richer for itself and other plants.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 100-300 cm
- **Flower Size:** 1.5-2.5 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** White-tailed Bumblebee (*Bombus lucorum*) — Drinks nectar and carries pollen.
- **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
- **Eaten by:** Six-spot Burnet Moth (*Zygaena filipendulae*) — Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.

## Traits

- [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
- [Nitrogen Fixing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nitrogen-fixing): Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.
- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)
- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea?

100-300 cm

### How big are the flowers on Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea?

1.5-2.5 cm

### When does Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea bloom?

Summer

### Is Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea edible?

No

### Is Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea toxic?

Mild

### What is Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea's lifecycle?

Perennial

### How is Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea pollinated?

Insect

## Where to spot

- [Kentucky Ridge State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-ridge-state-forest) — Kentucky, US · Forest
- [Bright Angel Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bright-angel-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/narrow-leaved-everlasting-pea)