lathyrus chloranthus

About

lathyrus chloranthus is a species in the genus Lathyrus, belonging to the Fabaceae. It flowers in the UK summer from June to August. Growth form within the genus is variable, so identification and care depend on species-specific details.

About the genus

Lathyrus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, and contains approximately 160 species. Commonly known as peavines or vetchlings, they are native to temperate areas, with a breakdown of 52 species in Europe, 30 species in North America, 78 in Asia, 24 in tropical East Africa, and 24 in temperate South America. There are annual and perennial species which may be climbing or bushy.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lathyrus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus

In the garden

lathyrus chloranthus sits within the Lathyrus group of the Fabaceae family and is one of many species in that genus. It flowers from June to August, a fixed phenological window that helps with planning where and when it will contribute to the garden. Exact morphological and provenance details should be confirmed from a species description or a trusted taxonomic source before planting. Husbandry depends on the particular growth habit: members of Lathyrus include both annual and perennial types and range from climbers to non-climbing forms, so the first step is to establish whether a given plant needs a support or will occupy a border or meadow niche. Where climbing, provide a stout trellis, cane or similar support and allow space for shoots; non-climbing types can be placed within mixed herbaceous borders or meadow pockets where their flowering period complements other summer species. Sourcing material from specialist nurseries and consulting authoritative references will give the precise information needed for sowing, propagation and overwintering for this species. Note the flowering window — June to August — when selecting companion plants and scheduling pruning or training operations.

More in the Lathyrus genus

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