Common Names for Lathyrus Explained

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

With approximately 160 species in the genus, the common name for Lathyrus can vary significantly based on the specific species. While the name most famously associated with the genus is the fragrant annual known as sweet pea, other Lathyrus species are widely known as everlasting peas, grass peas, or vetchlings.

Quick Summary

The genus Lathyrus encompasses many species, leading to various common names like sweet pea, everlasting pea, grass pea, and vetchling. The specific name depends on whether the plant is an annual, perennial, or cultivated for food or ornamental purposes.

Key Points

Common Names Vary: The genus Lathyrus includes several species, each with its own common name, such as sweet pea, everlasting pea, and grass pea.
Sweet Pea is an Annual: The classic sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a fragrant annual plant, popular in gardens for its colorful and scented flowers.
Everlasting Pea is a Perennial: The everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is a long-lived, unscented perennial that is often used as a climber or ground cover.
Grass Pea is a Food Crop: Lathyrus sativus, known as grass pea, is a drought-tolerant food and fodder legume grown primarily in Asia and Africa.
Toxicity Concerns Exist: Many species within the Lathyrus genus, including ornamental varieties, contain toxins in their seeds, pods, or other parts that can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals.
Scientific Names are Key: Due to the varied common names and toxicity risks, using the precise scientific name is the only definitive way to identify a specific Lathyrus species.

Understanding the Genus Lathyrus

Lathyrus is a diverse genus within the legume family (Fabaceae), comprising about 160 species of annual and perennial flowering plants. Native to temperate areas around the globe, these plants are known for their winged stems, tendrils, and characteristic pea-like flowers. The variety within the genus explains why there isn't a single universal common name. Different species have acquired specific common names based on their characteristics, growth habits, or uses.

Prominent Common Names for Lathyrus Species

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

The most widely recognized species, Lathyrus odoratus, is commonly known as the sweet pea due to its highly fragrant flowers. This annual climbing plant is a garden favorite, cherished for its wide range of vibrant colors and pleasant scent. It is often grown on trellises, fences, and in cut flower gardens. The name 'odoratus' is Latin for 'fragrant', directly referencing this characteristic.

Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

Lathyrus latifolius is a perennial species known by the common name everlasting pea. Unlike the annual sweet pea, the flowers of this species are not fragrant. Everlasting pea is a robust, sprawling plant that returns year after year, earning its name. It can often be found along roadsides, in ditches, and in other disturbed areas where it has naturalized. Its ability to spread by rhizomes can sometimes make it invasive.

Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus)

Another significant species is Lathyrus sativus, known as the grass pea. This legume is a valuable food and fodder crop, particularly in arid regions of Asia and Africa where it serves as an "insurance crop" due to its resilience to drought and floods. Historically, it has been linked to a neurodegenerative disease called lathyrism when consumed in excessive amounts over a prolonged period, though low-toxin varieties have been developed. Other names for this species include chickling pea and Indian pea.

Vetchlings and Peavines

More broadly, many Lathyrus species are referred to as vetchlings or peavines. The term "vetchling" is a diminutive of "vetch," a related legume genus. This name is often applied to various wild Lathyrus species. For example, Lathyrus palustris is known as the marsh pea. The name "peavine" refers to the climbing or sprawling, vine-like habit of many plants in the genus.

Comparison of Common Lathyrus Species


Feature	Sweet Pea (L. odoratus)	Everlasting Pea (L. latifolius)	Grass Pea (L. sativus)
Life Cycle	Annual	Perennial	Annual
Fragrance	Highly fragrant	Not fragrant	None (variable)
Growth Habit	Climbing or bushy	Sprawling or climbing	Bushy or climbing
Toxicity	All parts are toxic if ingested	Seeds and pods are toxic	Seeds are toxic in large quantities
Primary Use	Ornamental, cut flowers	Ornamental, ground cover	Food and fodder crop

Identifying the Correct Lathyrus Species

Given the wide array of common names, relying on the botanical name is the most accurate method for identification. When searching for a plant, especially for cultivation or consumption, the botanical name removes all ambiguity. For instance, while some people might refer to Lathyrus latifolius as a "sweet pea" due to its appearance, using the scientific name clarifies that it is a perennial and lacks the characteristic scent of the true annual sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus. Moreover, distinguishing between edible and toxic species is critical, as many ornamental Lathyrus are poisonous. For example, the toxic seeds of Lathyrus sativus have been bred for lower neurotoxin content, but caution is still required, unlike with the ornamental varieties where all parts are inedible.

Conclusion: Navigating the Names of Lathyrus

In summary, the question "What is the common name for Lathyrus?" has no single answer because of the genus's diversity. The most famous representative, Lathyrus odoratus, is the sweet pea, but numerous other species have their own distinct common names like everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus). The use of multiple common names highlights the plant's varied roles, from a cherished garden ornamental to a resilient food crop. For accurate identification, especially concerning consumption, relying on the precise scientific name is crucial to avoid potentially toxic varieties and ensure the correct plant is being discussed.

Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden's Plant Finder for more detailed information on specific Lathyrus species.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, many ornamental Lathyrus species are toxic if ingested, especially their seeds and pods. While some species like the grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) are cultivated for food, they often contain neurotoxins that can cause lathyrism if consumed in large quantities without proper processing.

Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a fragrant annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year. The everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is a non-fragrant perennial that lives for many years and is known for its robust, spreading nature.

The grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is highly resilient and known for its outstanding tolerance to dry and flooding conditions, making it a reliable crop in arid and famine-prone regions where other crops may fail.

Since many Lathyrus species are toxic if ingested, especially the seeds, it is important to choose planting locations carefully if you have pets or children who might eat the plants. Ornamental varieties like sweet pea are poisonous to humans and animals.

Common names for Lathyrus species often reflect their specific characteristics. For example, L. odoratus is named 'sweet pea' for its fragrance, while L. latifolius is called 'everlasting pea' because it is a long-lived perennial.

Vetchling is a common name used for many species within the Lathyrus genus, especially wild ones. It is derived from "vetch," a related legume genus, and often refers to the smaller, pea-like species.

Only specific cultivated species, like the grass pea (L. sativus), have edible parts, and even those require proper preparation to reduce toxicity. For ornamental species, all parts should be considered inedible and potentially poisonous.