Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Sweet Peas are lovely flowers that smell wonderful! They come in many colors and are great for attracting bees and butterflies.

Habitat: Sweet peas love to climb in sunny gardens.

Appearance

The Sweet Pea is a climbing plant featuring delicate, often ruffled flowers in a stunning array of colors, including white, pink, purple, and bi-colors. Its blooms are known for their exquisite fragrance and unique butterfly-like shape, making them visually distinct.

KingdomPlantaePhylumStreptophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLathyrus

Sweet Pea

Interesting facts

Gardeners sometimes 'deadhead' spent flowers to encourage even more blooms to appear.

Its scientific name "odoratus" means "fragrant," a perfect description of its lovely scent!

Sweet Peas were first brought to England from Sicily over 300 years ago!

Though beautiful, eating Sweet Pea seeds can cause mild stomach upset in humans.

Special abilities

Sweet Pea has a strong, sweet fragrance that helps it attract pollinators like bees from a distance.

Sweet Pea can grow long, coiling tendrils that help it grasp onto supports and climb upwards for sunlight.

Sweet Pea has root nodules containing bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, enriching the soil.

Measurements & details

Height: 150-250 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to Summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Gathers pollen from the uniquely shaped flowers.

symbiotic with

Rhizobium bacteria

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Fixes nitrogen in root nodules, benefiting the plant.

Traits

Cluster Flower

Discover how these flowers grow together in beautiful groups, creating a big splash of color that catches your eye. It's like a tiny bouquet, all natural!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!