Perennial Pea

Additional Resources Flowering Vines Flower Power Types of Weeds

With its bright pink flowers, the Perennial Pea or Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius) easily fits into the nice looking weed category.

It is a European native flowering vine, with an early introduction to United States soil. Thomas Jefferson, a pea aficionado, planted it as an ornamental in his Monticello gardens. It grows well in most sunny areas in the USDA Hardiness Zone 4 - 7 range.

Two hundred plus years later, the plant has spread across the country, growing aggressively enough in some areas to be considered a noxious weed. In other areas, it grows an an ornamental, turning walls, fences and trellises a shocking pink, red or white color during the summer growing season.

For individuals not inclined to maintain the Everlasting Pea as an ornamental flowering vine, complete removal of the deep tap roots, rhizomes and seeds is recommended. Consistent removal of sprouts over a couple of years should be sufficient to deter continued plant growth.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels