Tag: Sweet pea

While most people enjoy garden peas without a second thought, the seeds of the ornamental "sweet pea" flower are actually poisonous. This article clarifies which pea seeds are toxic and how to identify safe varieties for your garden and kitchen, helping you navigate the crucial differences in the pea family.

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 edible garden peas are a harmless treat, over 150 species of the genus Lathyrus contain toxic amino acids and nitriles. This means that while some peas are a healthy source of protein, other plants within the pea family (Fabaceae) can be toxic, particularly their seeds.