Perennial Sweetpea

Perennial Sweetpea

The Perennial Sweetpea (Lathyrus latifolius) is one of our "weeds."  It comes up wild along my bluff bordering the beach.  It is not a native plant, but like my grandmother, a European immigrant.  Some consider it a noxious, invasive weed.  The State of Oregon has banned its planting on public lands.  In my yard it is very well behaved twining around the Nootka Rose, Alder and Willow growing on the bluff.  I find it very easy to keep it in under control.  I believe English Ivy (Hedera sp.) also in the photo and Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) are bigger problems around here.  I enjoy the pink sprays that appear all along the bank this time of year.  Colors vary from pale pink to magenta.  It is listed on my Gardening page on the "Indigenous" list.  This attracts web searches by those looking for ways to kill it.  I am afraid they won't find that information here.