Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Family: FabaceaeOrigin: Southern Italy, Sicily, and Crete

Fragrant Climbing Annual
Cool Season

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

People: not researched yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Horses are the animals the ASPCA's related-species page lists as affected; that page lists dogs and cats as non-toxic, and the ASPCA has no page for Lathyrus odoratus itself. The main documented hazard, even in the human-toxicology literature, is the SEEDS specifically: lathyrism from eating quantities of seeds, causing neuromuscular symptoms. Deadhead before seed pods form to reduce the amount of seed material in the garden, and don't let pets or children access dried seed pods. Flowers and foliage in ordinary garden contact are not documented as acutely hazardous in the sources checked.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for ASPCA's own 'Sweet Pea' page (Lathyrus latifolius, perennial/everlasting pea), a different species from PlotAndPetal's annual garden sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus). To tell them apart: Same genus, different species: no visual cue independently confirmed; check the botanical name.. ASPCA's verdict for the perennial species is itself mixed by animal (toxic to horses, non-toxic to dogs and cats);Treat it with caution, as its relative is listed as toxic.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 2a - 11b (NC State Extension, grown as a cool-season annual nationwide)
Mature size: Space plants 3-6 ft apart to give the climbing vines room.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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