Lathyrus tuberosus
Dutch mice
A perennial, deciduous climber and scrambler with tuberous roots, introduced as a wild flower, with green foliage, reaching a height of around 200cm. Crimson red to dark pink flowers appear in the summer. The tubers are edible when cooked, with the flavour of sweet potato
Other common names
earth-nut peaFyfield pea
see morepease earth-nut
tine-tare
tuberous lathyrus
tuberous vetch
tuberous-rooted everlasting pea
earth chestnut
earth nut
tuberous pea
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Incorporate well-rotted organic manure before planting and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks when in growth. Deadhead regularly. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow in a cold frame in early autumn, early spring or in-situ in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead regularly and cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses
Get involved
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