Tag: Lathyrus

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.

While many assume only the peas themselves are edible, a surprising number of pea plant parts, including the shoots, leaves, and flowers of culinary varieties, are also safe and delicious to eat. This guide clarifies what parts of which pea plants are safe to consume, from the common sugar snap to the toxic ornamental sweet pea.