Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Heartbeat'

Names

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus 'Heartbeat'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sweet pea, including the variety known as 'Heartbeat', contains toxic chemicals known as aminopropionitriles. These compounds can cause a condition called lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms such as paralysis, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, can even lead to death. Chronic exposure to the toxin can also result in more permanent damage. It is important to note, however, that poisoning is usually associated with the ingestion of the seeds or seed pods and is rarely a result of casual contact or ingestion of the flowers or leaves.

• To pets

  In pets, sweet pea toxicity is similar to that in humans. The plant's seeds contain aminopropionitriles, which can lead to lathyrism. Symptoms of poisoning can include weakness, lethargy, seizures, and paralysis. As with humans, toxicity in pets typically occurs from ingesting the seeds or seed pods and is not commonly associated with ingesting other parts of the plant. Serious cases can be fatal and any pet suspected of sweet pea poisoning should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  2

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Heartbeat', commonly known as Sweet Pea, produces beautiful and fragrant flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
• Attracts Pollinators: Sweet Peas are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden which are essential for pollination.
• Ease of Growth: Sweet Peas are relatively easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
• Vertical Interest: This climber can add height and structure to garden spaces by growing on trellises, fences, and other supports.
• Color Variety: Sweet Peas come in a range of colors, allowing gardeners to create diverse and colorful displays.
• Edible Flowers: While not specific to the 'Heartbeat' variety, some species of Sweet Peas produce flowers that are edible and can be used to decorate dishes.

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

• Art and Crafts: Sweet pea petals can be used in pressed flower art, creating beautiful and natural designs for greeting cards and other decorative items.
• Educational Tool: Educators can use sweet pea growth as a hands-on learning activity to teach children about plant biology, lifecycle, and the importance of horticulture.
• Dye Source: The flowers of the sweet pea can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of soft colors depending on the mordant used.
• Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to attract pollinators, enhancing fruit and vegetable production.
• Natural Insect Repellant: When placed in a room, the strong fragrance of sweet peas may help deter certain insects.
• Garden Aesthetics: Sweet peas can be strategically planted to camouflage unsightly areas in a garden with their attractive foliage and blooms.
• Photography Prop: The attractive flowers of the sweet pea make an excellent prop for photographers, especially in spring and garden-themed photo shoots.
• Fragrance Inspiration: The scent of sweet peas is often used by perfumers as inspiration for creating fresh and floral fragrances for perfumes and scented products.
• Seed Crafts: The seeds of sweet peas can be used for making jewelry or decorative mosaics, particularly in educational settings.
• Culinary Garnish: Although the plant is not edible, the flowers can be used as a non-toxic decorative garnish for dishes in high-end culinary presentations.

Feng Shui

The Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Affection: The Sweet Pea, specifically the 'Heartbeat' variety, with its heart-associated name, is often symbolic of deep love and heartfelt emotions. Its sweet fragrance and delicate blooms evoke a sense of tender affection and endearing charm.
• Blissful Pleasure: Sweet Peas are known to represent blissful pleasure, given their delightful scent and array of colors. The pleasure derived from their presence is often linked to pure enjoyment and happiness.
• Goodbye and Departure: In the language of flowers, Sweet Peas can signify a farewell or an expression of thanks for a lovely time. This makes them a common choice for farewells or as a gesture of appreciation when parting.
• Delicate Pleasures: The delicate nature of Sweet Pea flowers with their soft, ruffled petals symbolizes pleasures that are gentle, subtle, and genteel, inviting individuals to savor the small, exquisite moments in life.
• Thankfulness: The gift of Sweet Peas often represents gratitude for a kind act or to show appreciation, embodying the sentiment of thankfulness and acknowledgement.