Lathyrus ochroleucas
Hook.
Cream Peavine
Kallum McDonald
Kallum McDonald
Kallum McDonald
What to Eat
Edible parts: Root, Seed
Seed - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161, 257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used like potatoes, they can be stored in pits in the garden.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
N. America - Quebec to British Columbia, south to New Jersey, Illinois, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
Lathyrus ochroleucas is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. Since this is a woodland species it should succeed in semi-shade. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.
Medicinal Uses
Stomachic. The plant has been used in the treatment of stomach aches.
