In many areas of North America, the perennial sweet pea (L. latifolius) is an invasive problem, clogging open fields and roadsides. It looks pretty until you realize it’s crowding out other plants and acting like a thug.
Are wild sweet peas toxic?
Symptoms: Accidental ingestion does not result in poisoning. However eating large quantities of seed for weeks to months can result in a paralytic syndrome. Symptoms can include paralysis, slow and weak pulse, breathing difficulty and convulsions. Warning: Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Is sweet pea native to North America?
Distribution. Chaparral sweet pea is native to the west coast of North America from Washington to northern Baja California, generally below 5000 feet.
Do wild sweet peas have a scent?
Many sweet peas are fragrant, but certain cultivars have a particularly intense, rich perfume. Traditionally, it’s the heirloom Grandiflora-type sweet peas that have been grown for fragrance, but don’t discount the Spencer and modern Grandiflora-types.
Do sweet peas come back every year?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don’t let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year, but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.
How do sweet peas spread?
Everlasting sweet peas are both self-seeding and spreads via rhizomes, so propagation is quite easy. Sow sweet pea seeds, in soil above 50° degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to have sweet peas climb, dig a trench about an inch deep and a foot away from the trellis, you intend the plant to climb.
Can chickens eat wild sweet peas?
While sweet peas may be fragrant and delicate, these plants are not for chickens to consume. These plants are hazardous for chickens. The seeds and flowers of sweet peas are poisonous and toxic to other animals like horses and, dogs, even humans.
Should I remove sweet pea pods?
Once your sweet pea plants are in full flower make sure that you dead-head them and remove seed pods as soon as possible to encourage more blooms to be produced.
Are wild sweet pea pods edible?
Description/Taste
Wild pea plants are entirely edible. The flowers and young tendrils have a sweet grassy vegetal flavor. Wild pea pods are slightly more fibrous than commercial sugar snap or snow peas, but the interior fruits are very comparable when eaten fresh or dried.
Are sweet peas toxic to dogs?
Toxicity to pets
When ingested, it can cause neurological and musculoskeletal signs including weakness, lethargy, tremors and seizures. Typically, this is more commonly seen in large animals chronically grazing on sweet pea.
Where do wild sweet peas grow?
Lathyrus vestitus, commonly called Wild Sweet Pea, is a member of the Fabaceae (pea family). This plant is considered endemic – a native, that grows only in California. Wild Sweet Pea can be found in chaparral and Oak woodlands at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 meters.
Are sweet peas good for wildlife?
Perfect for allotments and wildlife gardens, they’re a favourite with pollinators too. Sweet pea seeds are easy to sow and provide a cost effective way to fill your garden.
Are sweet peas climbers?
Annual sweet peas are climbers and need a support to grow up – usually trellis, netting, a teepee made with canes, a border obelisk or a garden arch. Put your chosen support in place and plant the sweet peas about 5cm from the base, around 15-20cm apart.
How do you propagate wild sweet peas?
How to Take Sweet Pea Cuttings
- 1: Choose Your Sweet Pea Seedlings. These sweet pea seedlings are about 2 months old and ready to be planted out.
- 2: Make Your Cuttings. Using a sharp pair of clean scissors, cut a 5 inch piece of stem just above a pair of leaves.
- 3: Place Cuttings In Water.
How long do sweet peas live?
With these simple tips, you should hopefully be able to keep the flowers coming for for up to 6-8 weeks.
Do sweet peas reseed themselves?
In addition to offering a rainbow of hues and an alluring fragrance, sweet peas also generously self-seed, so if you’re looking to expand your existing patch, just let your plants go to seed, and you’ll be set.
Do sweet peas survive winter?
Sweet peas are a hardy annual, which means they will tolerate cold, even a light frost below if freezing. They are tougher than they look and will take a regular frost down to around -4.
Do deer eat sweet peas?
Sweet peas are deer resistant, but butterflies and bees love them.
How deep do sweet pea roots grow?
2-3cms deep. General purpose compost can be used as a growing medium but better results can be obtained by using a 50/50 mixture of good garden soil and general purpose compost, with 10% of the volume made up with well-rotted manure, at least 3 years old.
How fast do sweet peas grow?
Hardy annuals, like sweet peas, will grow, flower and die in one year. By sowing in the Autumn instead of the Spring you give the plant 6 months of extra growth. By next summer they are able to sustain bigger, earlier flowers on strong stems.
Are sweet peas toxic to birds?
Toxicity. All parts of the sweet pea plant are toxic not only to chickens, but also to horses, dogs and humans.