Water
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn as the plant begins to senesce.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Also known as Bitter Vetchling · Tuberous Bitter Vetch · Wood Pea
Bitter Vetch (Lathyrus linifolius) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its attractive pink to purple flowers and distinctive winged stems.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in autumn.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy to -20°C. Prefers cooler conditions for optimal growth.
Low
25% intensity
Minimal feeding required; a light, balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn as the plant begins to senesce.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Pruning is usually minimal. Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring before new growth appears. Pinching back young plants can encourage bushier growth.
Deadheading spent flowers can prevent self-seeding if desired.
Propagation is typically done by sowing seeds outdoors in autumn or early spring. Scarify or soak seeds before sowing to improve germination rates. Division of established clumps can also be done in early spring.
Repotting is infrequent as Lathyrus linifolius is not a vigorous grower and prefers to be slightly root-bound. If repotting is necessary, do so in early spring before active growth begins, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bitter Vetch (Lathyrus linifolius)
Where Bitter Vetch (Lathyrus linifolius) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
| Species | Lathyrus linifolius |
Similar in genus Lathyrus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
