Perennial Peavine
Lathyrus latifolius
Washington State Classification
Monitor List
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Perennial peavine is a sprawling or climbing perennial herbaceous vine.
Leaves
Each leaf is made of 2 leaflets, which spread out and are shaped like a mermaid tail. Each leaflet can get up to 3 inches long and 1 inch across.
Flowers
The showy flowers grow along short drooping stalks. 4 to 10 light pink to pink purple flowers will grow on these stalks. The flowers have a broad, round banner petal above two petals forming a keel around another two petals forming another keel, which both curve upward, around the stamens. Individual flowers can get 1 inch across.
Fruit & Seeds
A smooth, flattened pea seedpod, with several seeds inside. These pods start green and ripen to brown, before splitting open and flinging the seeds out.
Impact
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact Sofia Sherman to report locations where perennial peavine is escaping into undisturbed habitats or for more information.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Relatively open and disturbed areas, like roadsides and forest clearcuts.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Reproduces primarily through rhizomes.
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