Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Jayne Amanda'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Lathyrus.

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) does contain toxic elements, particularly in the seeds and seed pods. If ingested in large quantities, these can cause a condition known as lathyrism. Lathyrism can result in symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, paralysis of the legs, and potentially may lead to permanent neurologic damage if consumption is not addressed quickly and appropriately. Care should be taken to ensure that children do not consume the seeds or seed pods of the sweet pea plant.

• To pets

  Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), while attractive, can be toxic to pets if they ingest parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and seed pods. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and more severe cases could potentially lead to neurological problems or even death if left untreated. Pet owners should prevent pets from having access to sweet peas and should consult a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested this plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  2

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Jayne Amanda', commonly known as sweet pea, produces beautiful and vibrant flowers that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: The sweet pea is well-known for its delightful and strong fragrance, which can perfume an entire garden area.
• Attracts Pollinators: Sweet peas are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
• Climbing Growth Habit: As a climbing plant, sweet pea can be used to decorate trellises, fences, and other vertical structures, adding dimension to garden design.
• Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are generally easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
• Variety of Colors: They come in a wide range of colors, offering versatility for color-themed gardens and floral arrangements.
• Cut Flowers: With their long stems and attractive blooms, sweet peas are excellent for cutting and creating bouquets or indoor flower arrangements.
• Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas have a specific blooming season in spring and early summer, providing a distinct time of interest and color in the garden.
• Educational Value: Gardening with sweet peas can be a learning experience, teaching about plant growth, pollination, and horticultural techniques.
• Cultural Significance: Sweet peas have been cultivated for centuries and have a rich history in horticulture, offering cultural and historical value to enthusiasts.

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

• Sweet pea pods are sometimes used in compost as a nitrogen-rich material to help break down organic waste more efficiently.
• The stems of sweet pea plants can be woven to create biodegradable garden trellises, providing a natural support for other climbing plants as well.
• Dried and crushed sweet pea flowers are occasionally added to homemade potpourri mixtures due to their pleasant fragrance.
• Sweet pea seeds, once thoroughly dried and hardened, can be used in craft projects, such as making seed mosaics or jewelry items.
• The long, flexible tendrils of sweet pea plants are sometimes utilized in the art of flower arrangement as a way to add delicate, whimsical curves to bouquets.
• Infusions made from sweet pea flowers are used to add natural scents to homemade soaps, though care is taken due to potential toxicity.
• Farmers can plant sweet peas as a cover crop in the off-season to help fix nitrogen in the soil and prevent erosion.
• The brightly colored flowers of sweet peas can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects, generating a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
• Sweet pea petals have been traditionally used to decorate wedding or celebration cakes, although they are not eaten due to toxicity concerns.
• The plant’s vines may be used as a green backdrop in pet enclosures, as long as there is no risk of ingestion by the animals.

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

• Pleasure: Sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Jayne Amanda', are often associated with pleasure and blissful enjoyment, alluding to the sweet fragrance and delicate appearance of their flowers.
• Goodbye or Departure: Giving sweet peas can symbolize a farewell or goodbye, making them a fitting gift when someone is leaving or moving on to another phase of life.
• Thankfulness: The sweet pea can be a symbol of gratitude, representing thankfulness for a lovely time or for the kindness that someone has shown.
• Delicate Pleasures: Due to their exquisite and fragrant blooms, sweet peas symbolize the delicate pleasures that bring joy to our senses and remind us to appreciate the small beauties in life.