Sierra Pea

Lathyrus nevadensis (species)

Lathyrus nevadensis, commonly known as Nevada pea or Sierra pea, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae) that is native to western North America, specifically the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, as well as parts of British Columbia, Canada. It is typically found in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, in habitats such as meadows, rocky slopes, and talus fields.

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Lathyrus nevadensis is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 20-90 cm. It has compound leaves with leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem. The flowers are small and pink to purplish in color, arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit is a small, dry, flattened pod containing one or two seeds.

The seeds of Lathyrus nevadensis are edible and were used by indigenous people of the western USA as a food source. They are rich in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. However, the seeds of Lathyrus species contain a neurotoxin called ODAP (β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) and consuming excessive amount of it may cause lathyrism, a neurological disorder.

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Lathyrus nevadensis, the Sierra pea or purple peavine, is a perennial herb with erect to climbing stems, native to the forests and clearings of western North America from British Columbia to northern California and as far east as Idaho.

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