Pea Pisum sativum Sugar Dwarf Sweet Green = 'Norli'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Pea, Garden Pea, Green Pea, Sugar Pea, Dwarf Pea, Snap Pea, English Pea.

• Common names

  Pisum sativum var. saccharatum, Pisum saccharatum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question, commonly known as pea, specifically the 'Norli' variety of Pisum sativum, is not toxic to humans. Peas are widely consumed as a food item, and there are no known toxic effects from eating the pods or the peas themselves when they are properly prepared. However, eating any plant in large, untypical amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to fiber content or individual sensitivities.

• To pets

  Peas, including the 'Norli' variety of Pisum sativum, are generally considered safe for many pets, including dogs and cats, in moderate amounts. These plants are not known to be toxic, and peas are often found in commercial pet food as a source of protein and fiber. However, as with any food not typically part of a pet's diet, it is best to introduce peas in small amounts to avoid potential digestive upset. It is also advisable to consult a veterinarian before making significant changes to a pet's diet.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Edible Pods: The 'Norli' variety of sugar snap peas produces sweet, edible pods that can be eaten whole, either raw or cooked.
• Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens or container growing due to its dwarf nature.
• Early Harvest: This cultivar is known for its early maturation, allowing for an earlier harvest in the growing season.
• Nutrition: Sugar snap peas are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and proteins.
• Improves Soil: As a legume, it enriches the soil with nitrogen, which benefits neighbouring plants.
• Attracts Beneficial Insects: Flowers of the plant attract pollinators like bees, which are essential for the productivity of many garden plants.
• Easy to Grow: It's generally easy to cultivate, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
• Vertical Growing: The plant's climbing nature allows it to grow vertically, saving space and providing visual interest in the garden.
• Culinary Versatility: The peas can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries, making them a versatile ingredient.
• Organic Option: Can be easily grown without the use of pesticides, offering an organic option for consumers.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The dried stems of the pea plant can be used as a mulch to help retain moisture in the garden and suppress weeds.
• Plant fibers from pea plants can be used in making biodegradable plastics or other eco-friendly materials.
• The flowers of the pea plant can be added to salads or used as garnish for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor and attractive appearance.
• Crushed pea pods, after the peas have been harvested, can be added to compost piles to enhance the nutrient content of the compost.
• In vegetable dye production, the pea plant can contribute green hues, although it is not a widely practiced use.
• With proper treatment, pea plant stems can be fashioned into paper or light cardboard for various craft projects.
• When included in crop rotation, pea plants can increase soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, benefiting subsequent plantings.
• Children's crafts can include using dried peas for mosaics, necklaces, or artwork, inculcating a sense of nature in the activity.
• The hollow stems of pea plants can be used in educational settings to demonstrate the principles of capillary action in plants.
• Gardeners might use pea plants as sacrificial plants to attract certain pests away from more valuable crops in a technique known as trap cropping.

Feng Shui

The plant Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Fertility: Peas often symbolize fertility due to their seed-producing capability and their use in traditional agricultural rites.
• Prosperity: The pea plant, through its abundant pods, represents prosperity and the idea that hard work and care can result in a bountiful harvest.
• Potential and Opportunity: As peas start from small seeds and grow into productive plants, they are often seen as a symbol of potential and the opportunities that can grow from small beginnings.
• Renewal: The lifecycle of pea plants, which can be planted annually, signifies renewal and the continuous cycle of life and rebirth.
• Nourishment: Peas are nutritious and thus symbolize physical nourishment and health, as well as spiritual sustenance.