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Lathyrus vernus
spring vetchling
Europe, western Asia (deciduous woodlands, forest margins, mountain meadows; Scandinavia to Mediterranean to Caucasus)
Overview
Lathyrus vernus is a compact, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial reaching 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). Unlike the climbing sweet pea (L. odoratus) and everlasting pea (L. latifolius), this species does not climb or twine—it forms a bushy, self-supporting mound. The pea-like flowers are 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–2 cm) long, opening reddish-purple and aging through blue to blue-green over several days—displaying multiple color stages simultaneously on the same plant. Flowers appear in one-sided racemes of 3–7 from March through April. The pinnate leaves have 2–3 pairs of ovate leaflets, each 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, bright green. No tendrils are produced (unlike climbing Lathyrus species). The foliage persists through summer, turning yellow-brown by late summer. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 4.
Native Range
Lathyrus vernus is native to Europe and western Asia, in deciduous woodlands, forest margins, and mountain meadows from Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east to the Caucasus.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, rock gardens, and under deciduous trees at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The March–April bloom time fills an early spring gap. The color-changing flowers display reddish-purple, blue, and blue-green simultaneously. The foliage declines by late summer—site where later-emerging companions mask the yellowing leaves. Slow to establish. Not suitable for positions where season-long foliage quality is needed, or for climbing support (does not climb).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Pea-like flowers 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–2 cm) long in one-sided racemes of 3–7, from March through April. Flowers open reddish-purple, age through blue to blue-green—multiple color stages visible simultaneously. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pea-like 0.5-0.75 inches; opens reddish-purple ages through blue to blue-green; multicolor stages simultaneousFoliage Description
Bright green, pinnate with 2-3 pairs of ovate leaflets 1-2 inches; no tendrils; yellows by late summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in average, well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates a range of soils including alkaline. The foliage persists through summer but becomes less ornamental by late summer—interplant with later-emerging perennials. Slow to establish from seed—may take 2–3 years to reach flowering size. Long-lived once established.Pruning
Cut back foliage in late summer or autumn when it yellows. No mid-season pruning needed. The foliage persists but declines in appearance by August—neighboring plants can mask this.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons