Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Lauren Landy'

Names

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea.

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sweet pea is the most common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Lauren Landy'. Sweet pea plants contain toxic amino acids, particularly in the seeds and seed pods. If ingested by humans, these can cause a condition known as lathyrism. Symptoms of lathyrism may include weakness, lethargy, paralysis, and potentially permanent damage to the nervous system with prolonged consumption. However, accidental or single instances of ingestion are less likely to cause severe effects, but might result in mild gastrointestinal upset.

• To pets

  Sweet pea, which is the most common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Lauren Landy', can be toxic to pets. These plants contain aminopropionitrile, which can interfere with collagen synthesis if ingested, particularly by animals. Ingestion of sweet pea can lead to a condition called lathyrism in pets, which is characterized by symptoms such as lethargy, convulsions, and potentially paralysis. The seeds and seed pods contain the highest concentration of this toxin, so they pose the greatest risk if pets consume them.

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: The Sweet pea 'Lauren Landy' is known for its beautiful, frilly flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: This variety of sweet pea is cherished for its delightful scent, which can enhance the sensory appeal of a garden space.
• Attracts Pollinators: Sweet peas attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination and the overall health of the garden.
• Cut Flowers: The blossoms of 'Lauren Landy' are excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their appealing form and fragrance, making them a popular choice for home decor and floral displays.
• Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, sweet peas can be trained up trellises, fences, and other supports, adding vertical interest to garden designs.
• Easy to Grow: Sweet peas, including 'Lauren Landy', are generally easy to cultivate from seed and are often a good choice for novice gardeners.
• Variety of Uses: Beyond being ornamental, sweet peas can be used in container gardening, borders, or as a natural screen to beautify unsightly areas.

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

• As a natural dye: Sweet pea flowers can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, offering shades of blue, purple, or gray depending on the mordant used.
• Photography subject: The striking colors and shapes of sweet pea flowers make them a popular choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
• Artistic inspiration: Sweet pea's vibrant colors and delicate form have inspired many artists to include them in paintings, drawings, and floral designs.
• Educational tool: Horticulture educators often use sweet peas to teach principles of plant growth, pollination, and hybridization due to their ease of cultivation and variety.
• Companion planting: Sweet peas can be planted alongside vegetables like beans and tomatoes to increase space efficiency and add support structure.
• Crafting: Dried sweet pea pods can be used in crafting, for instance, in making wreaths, potpourri mixes, or as embellishments in scrapbooking.
• Floral jewelry: Fresh or dried sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into floral jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories.
• Culinary presentation: While not edible, sweet pea flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish to enhance the aesthetic appeal of plates and platters in culinary displays.
• Perfumery: The scent of sweet pea flowers is sometimes replicated in perfumes and scented products, although typically through synthetic means.
• Seed crafts: The seeds of sweet peas, while toxic if ingested, can be used in creative ways for crafts, such as in seed art or as a component in homemade rattles.

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: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea, often symbolizes blissful pleasure due to its sweet fragrance and delicate blooms that bring joy to the senses.
• Goodbye and Departure: Sweet Peas have been associated with farewells, as they were historically used to signal a fond farewell or a wish for a pleasant journey.
• Delicate Pleasures: Reflecting the soft and gentle nature of its petals, Sweet Pea signifies the delicate and fleeting pleasures of life.
• Thankfulness: Giving a bouquet of Sweet Peas can express gratitude, making them a symbol of thankfulness for the time spent with someone or for a kind gesture received.
• Lasting Pleasure: Though individual flowers may be short-lived, Sweet Peas continue to bloom prolifically, representing lasting pleasure and enjoyment.