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Description
Lathyrus Aureus, commonly known as Golden Pea or Golden Banner, is a flowering plant species belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall and has golden yellow flowers that bloom from May to July. The plant is native to North America and can be found in the wild in various locations, including meadows, woodlands, and prairies. The plant is known for its ornamental value and is often grown in gardens as a showy addition to flower beds and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
The plant produces slender stems that grow up to 1 meter tall and have a slightly zigzag shape. The leaves are compound, with 4-8 oval-shaped leaflets that are dark green in color. The flowers are bright yellow and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. Each flower has five petals that are arranged in a distinctive banner shape, giving the plant its common name Golden Banner. The plant produces long, narrow seed pods that can reach up to 10 cm in length and contain numerous small, brown seeds.
Care Guide
Lathyrus Aureus is a relatively easy plant to care for and is suitable for growing in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil, so be sure to water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lathyrus Aureus is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. Be sure to water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use a slug and snail bait to control them.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves. Use a miticide to control them.
Habitat
Lathyrus Aureus is native to North America and can be found in various locations, including meadows, woodlands, and prairies. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant and is well-suited to border plantings and flower beds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lathyrus Aureus toxic to humans or animals?
A: Lathyrus Aureus is not toxic to humans or animals, but the seeds can cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Lathyrus Aureus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lathyrus Aureus can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Lathyrus Aureus be fertilized?
A: Lathyrus Aureus does not require fertilization, but you can apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
Q: When is the best time to plant Lathyrus Aureus?
A: The best time to plant Lathyrus Aureus is in the spring after the last frost date.
Related Plants
- Lathyrus Odoratus (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus Nissolia (Grass Vetchling)
- Lathyrus Latifolius (Everlasting Pea)
References
- “Lathyrus aureus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277932&isprofile=0&basic=Lathyrus%20aureus.
- “Lathyrus aureus.” Plant Database. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=laau2.
- “Lathyrus aureus.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=laau2.
