Is the Lathyrus Odoratus Poisonous?

Sweet Pea Toxins

• Sweet peas contain toxic amounts of aminoproprionitrite, glycosides and phenols. Horses, cattle and other grazing animals, dogs, cats and humans who eat sweet pea in large amounts may be subject to slow and weak pulse, shallow breathing, convulsions and paralysis.

Lathyrism

• Some species in the genus Lathyrus contain toxins that can cause irreversible, degenerative changes in the spinal cord. This condition, called lathyrism, is similar to degenerative arthritis and was once commonplace in parts of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Sweet pea will not induce lathyrism in humans, but its toxins have caused changes in the bones and blood of research animals without damaging their nervous systems. Compounds related to those found in sweet pea affect the nervous systems of both humans and animals.

Sweet Pea and Green Pea

• Although sweet pea grows what resemble peas in tiny pods, do not confuse them with familiar green peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas and other peas commonly grown in gardens and available in markets. These peas and sometime their pods are sold both fresh and frozen and have numerous culinary uses. They belong to the species Pisum sativum.

Growing Sweet Pea

• You can grow colorful sweet pea in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 to 11 as a climbing vine or in bushy mounds. Sweet pea likes full sun but will tolerate some shade. Vines will climb 6 to 8 feet high in a single growing season. If you don’t support it, sweet pea will grow into a 2 1/2-foot bushy mound. To get the longest possible bloom time – they yield blossoms in almost all colors except yellow - start the seeds about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. If you live in an area with warm winters, sow the seeds in autumn for blooming in winter or spring. Sweet pea declines rapidly in areas with hot, humid summers.