Lathyrus niger
black pea
L. niger is an upright perennial, to 90cm tall, with robust, wingless, branched stems and leaves comprising 3-6 pairs of elliptical leaflets up to 4cm long and lacking tendrils. Purplish flowers, that turn blue as they age, are borne in sprays of four to ten in late spring and early summer and are followed by black pods carrying 6-8 seeds. The plant derives its name from its foliage which turns black as it dies
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green | Black | |
| Autumn | Black | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe, Africa, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and cut back in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses
Get involved
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