Lord Anson's Pea
Lathyrus nervosus
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Pl. F64F — Lathyrus nervosus
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IOverview
Overview
Lord Anson's Pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus nervosus, is a perennial plant native to Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, with naturalized populations in parts of South America, including Argentina and Brazil. This legume thrives in light, medium, or heavy (clay) soil types, preferring full sun and moist conditions. Growing up to 0.5 meters tall, it is a nitrogen-fixing plant, making it valuable for its ability to improve soil fertility. The seeds of Lord Anson's Pea are edible and can be prepared in various ways, though they are often cooked or dried for later use. Raw consumption is not recommended due to potential palatability and safety concerns when unprocessed. This plant is native to regions with a temperate to subtropical climate, making it suitable for cultivation in hardiness zones 8-11. Its adaptability and resilience have allowed it to spread beyond its original habitat, showcasing its potential for cultivation in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Lord Anson's Pea?
Lord Anson's Pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus nervosus, is a perennial plant native to Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, with naturalized populations in parts of South America, including Argentina and Brazil. This legume thrives in light, medium, or heavy (clay) soil types, preferring full sun and moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lord Anson's Pea thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows to a height of 0.5 meters as a perennial. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged for best results.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Lord Anson's Pea for the first time
8steps
Start with Lord Anson's Pea as a simple, low-maintenance perennial.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, garden soil, container if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost, or purchase established plants any time of year.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare a well-draining soil mix with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they are strong enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, about 6-8 hours daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent leggy stems.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, neglecting sun exposure, not providing support for climbing vines.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seeds of Lord Anson's Pea are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often cooked or dried for later use. Skip the raw consumption as they may not be palatable or safe when unprocessed.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqTurkey
Americas3 regions
native (3)ColombiaEcuadorUruguay
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil South, Chile Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f64f60f2-1771-41c1-abff-b3eda9b666ee
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