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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus japonicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young plant - raw or cooked. An excellent sustenance[207].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil[1]. It prefers a deep moist well-drained soil in a cool position[187]. Prefers a position in full sun, growing well on hot sunny banks[200]. The seed remains viable for 4 - 5 years in sea water[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[200]. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Lathyrus alatus		Perennial	0.6	-		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Lathyrus aphaca	Yellow-Flowered Pea	Annual	0.9	-		LMH	N	DM	1	1
Lathyrus cicera	Chickling Vetch, Red pea	Annual	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	M	1	0
Lathyrus davidii		Perennial	1.2	5-9		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Lathyrus japonicus maritimus	Beach Pea	Perennial	0.6	3-7		LMH	N	DM	2	0	3
Lathyrus latifolius	Perennial Sweet Pea, Perennial pea	Perennial Climber	2.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	1	0	2
Lathyrus linifolius montanus	Bitter Vetch	Perennial	0.6	5-9		LMH	SN	M	2	0	3
Lathyrus nervosus	Lord Anson's Pea	Perennial Climber	0.5	8-11		LMH	N	M	2	0
Lathyrus ochroleucas	Cream Peavine	Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Lathyrus ochrus	Cyprus Vetch	Annual	0.6	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Lathyrus odoratus	Sweet Pea, Wild Pea,Vetchling	Annual Climber	2.0	2-11	F	LMH	SN	M	1	0	3
Lathyrus ornatus	Bush Vetchling	Perennial	0.3	3-7		LMH	N	DM	1	1
Lathyrus palustris	Slenderstem Peavine, Marsh pea	Perennial Climber	1.2	4-8		LMH	N	MWe	1	0
Lathyrus polymorphus	Manystem Peavine, Hoary pea	Perennial	0.4	0-0		LMH	N	M	1	0
Lathyrus pratensis	Meadow Vetchling	Perennial	1.2	4-8		LMH	N	MWe	0	1	1
Lathyrus quinquenervius		Perennial	0.6	-		LMH	N	MWe	1	0
Lathyrus sativus	Chickling Pea, White pea	Annual	0.6	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	1	3
Lathyrus sylvestris	Flat pea, Wood pea	Perennial Climber	1.5	6-9	F	LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Lathyrus tuberosus	Earthnut Pea, Tuberous sweetpea	Perennial	1.2	5-9		LMH	SN	M	5	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Lathyrus japonicus - Willd.