Lathyrus Species, Bitter Vetch, Bitter-Vetch
Lathyruslinifolius

Synonym:Lathyrus linifolius var. montanus

Synonym:Lathyrus macrorrhizus

Synonym:Lathyrus montanus

Synonym:Orobus linifolius

Synonym:Orobus tuberosus

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Seed is poisonous if ingested
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Magenta (pink-purple)

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
Scarify seed before sowing

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds