Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'High Scent'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sweet pea, which refers to Lathyrus odoratus 'High Scent', is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it does contain amino acids called aminopropionitriles, which can potentially cause a condition known as lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by neurological problems and paralysis, but it often results from consuming the seeds or the plant over a long period. Occasional ingestion of sweet pea in small amounts is unlikely to cause serious problems, but it is advised to avoid consuming any part of the plant due to the potential for toxicity.

• To pets

  Sweet pea may pose a toxicity risk to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested in substantial amounts, the seeds particularly can cause a condition known as lathyrism, which results in muscle tremors and seizures due to a neuromuscular toxin present in the plant. Signs of poisoning could include lethargy, convulsions, or difficulty in walking. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting sweet pea to avoid the risk of these toxic effects. If you suspect that your pet has ingested sweet pea, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Cream

• Height

  6 feet (1.83 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  2

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'High Scent', commonly known as sweet pea, has beautiful ruffled blossoms that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: As the name 'High Scent' suggests, this variety is known for its strong, sweet fragrance, which can perfume an entire garden area.
• Cut Flowers: The blooms of sweet pea make excellent cut flowers, providing color and fragrance indoors as well as outdoors.
• Climbing Habit: Sweet pea plants are climbers, ideal for vertical gardening, and can be used to cover trellises, fences, and arbors, maximizing garden space.
• Attracts Pollinators: These flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate nearby plants and flowers.
• Variety of Colors: Sweet pea flowers come in a range of colors which can be used to create a diverse and vibrant garden display.
• Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are cool-season annuals, blooming in the spring to early summer, which can be planted in succession with summer bloomers to extend the flowering season.
• Easy to Grow: They are generally easy to cultivate, which makes them suitable for novice gardeners or those new to gardening.
• Educational Use: Growing sweet peas can be a learning experience for children and adults alike in understanding plant growth and care.
• Heritage and History: Sweet peas have a long history in horticulture, and growing heirloom varieties like 'High Scent' preserves genetic diversity and gardening heritage.

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

• Animal Deterrent: Sweet pea may be used to deter certain rodents and deer due to its toxicity when consumed in large quantities, thus safeguarding other plants in gardens.
• Fragrance Extraction: The sweet scent of sweet pea is sometimes used in the production of perfumes and scented oils, capturing its rich aroma for use in fragrance products.
• Dye Source: The flowers of sweet pea can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, potentially yielding soft, pastel colors.
• Photography Prop: With its climbing habit and vibrant blossoms, sweet pea serves as a picturesque backdrop for photography, enhancing the visual appeal of photo shoots.
• Garden Structure Training: Growers often use the climbing nature of sweet pea to train the plant along trellises and arbors, creating living architectural elements in gardens.
• Educational Tool: Sweet pea is used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, genetics, and the history of horticulture, illustrating Gregor Mendel's principles of inheritance.
• Organic Waste Composting: When sweet pea plants have finished their lifecycle, they can be added to compost bins to help create nutrient-rich soil amendments.
• Craft Supplies: Dried sweet pea pods can be used in various creative craft projects, such as making seed pod creatures or incorporating them into floristry.
• Culinary Decoration: Although parts of the sweet pea plant are inedible and toxic, careful use of the flowers can add ornamental value to food presentations, on condition they are not consumed.
• Scenting Natural Air Fresheners: Dried sweet pea flowers can be included in potpourri mixtures or natural air fresheners to impart a pleasant fragrance to living spaces.

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

• Blissful Pleasure: The sweet fragrance of Sweet Pea 'High Scent' is said to denote pure enjoyment, reflecting pleasant experiences and memories.
• Goodbye: Sweet Pea 'High Scent' can symbolize a fond farewell or departure, signifying the desire to cherish the good times despite the separation.
• Delicate Pleasures: The delicate flowers of the Sweet Pea are often associated with gentle, fleeting joys, representing appreciating the small, ephemeral moments in life.
• Gratitude: Historically, Sweet Pea flowers have been given to express thanks, making them a symbol of appreciation for kindness or hospitality received.
• Friendship: With its variety of colors and pleasant scent, Sweet Pea represents friendship and camaraderie, embodying the spirit of companionship and mutual support.