Contents
Description
Lathyrus Quinquenervius, commonly known as the Five-veined Pea, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southwest. This plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a sprawling habit. The Five-veined Pea produces showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
The Five-veined Pea has a sprawling habit and can grow up to 60 cm tall. It produces showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that bloom from May to September, depending on the region. The flowers are clustered together and have a sweet fragrance. The leaves of the Five-veined Pea are compound and have five leaflets arranged in a palmate manner. The stem of the plant is green and somewhat hairy, with tendrils that help it climb and grow.
Care Guide
The Five-veined Pea is an easy plant to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Five-veined Pea:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The Five-veined Pea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Five-veined Pea can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Five-veined Pea is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. Here are some tips to help you prevent and treat these common pests and diseases:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent it, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. If your plant is already infected, treat it with a fungicide.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. To prevent them, keep the plant well-watered and mist the leaves occasionally. If your plant is already infested, treat it with an insecticide.
Habitat
The Five-veined Pea is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southwest. It grows in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Five-veined Pea poisonous?
A: No, the Five-veined Pea is not poisonous.
Q: Can I grow the Five-veined Pea in a container?
A: Yes, the Five-veined Pea can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to spread out.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Five-veined Pea?
A: Fertilize your Five-veined Pea once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant the Five-veined Pea?
A: The best time to plant the Five-veined Pea is in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
- Lathyrus odoratus
- Lathyrus japonicus
- Lathyrus latifolius
- Lathyrus sylvestris
References
- “Lathyrus quinquenervius.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c790
- “Five-veined Pea.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LAQU3
- “Lathyrus quinquenervius.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 30 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LAQU3
