Lathyrus palustris
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusLathyrus
Zone4
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Lathyrus palustris, commonly known as marsh pea, is a perennial plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to wetlands and marshy areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant features climbing stems and produces beautiful purple-blue flowers. It typically goes dormant in the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Marsh Pea
Pisum Palustre
Lathyrus macranthus
Lathyrus myrtifolius
Lathyrus myrtifolius var. macranthus
Lathyrus occidentalis
Lathyrus palustris var. macranthus
Lathyrus palustris var. myrtifolius
Lathyrus palustris var. palustris
Lathyrus palustris var. pilosus
Lathyrus viciaeformis
Orobus myrtifolius
Orobus palustris
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity70%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Marsh pea thrives in environments with moderate temperatures and high humidity. It prefers indirect bright light and should be kept in consistently wet soil. Regular watering is essential to maintain soil moisture. The plant can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost.Soil
Lathyrus palustris prefers loamy soil that is consistently wet or waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, but the soil should never dry out completely. A mix of loam and organic matter works well for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically in spring and summer, to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for marsh pea as it prefers to grow outdoors in its natural habitat. However, if grown in a container, repotting can be done in early spring before new growth begins. Ensure the new pot has good drainage and use a loamy soil mix.Propagation
Marsh pea can be propagated by seeds or division. Seeds should be sown in early spring, while division can be done in late spring or early summer. Ensure the new plants are kept in a moist environment to encourage root development.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for marsh pea to control its growth and encourage bushier growth. Prune back the stems after flowering or in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health.Toxicity
Lathyrus palustris is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is advisable to prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant.Additional
Marsh pea is a great addition to wetland gardens and can be used to stabilize soil in marshy areas. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for the ecosystem.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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