Marsh Vetchling

Plant Info

Also known as:	Marsh Pea, Wild Pea
Scientific name:	Lathyrus palustris
Family:	Pea (Fabaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun to part shade; wet meadows, shores, swamps
Bloom season:	late spring, early summer
Plant height:	1 to 4 foot vine
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Clusters of 2 to 6 flowers at the end of long naked stems that arise from the leaf axils. Individual flowers are ¾ inch long and a typical shape for a member of the pea family. Flower color varies from deep pink to purple to blue. A 2-tone purple and white or purple and blue flower is not unusual.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are compound in 2 to 4 pairs; attachment is alternate with the leaflets attached oppositely. Each leaflet is generally oval, up to 2½ inches long and ½ inch wide, though they can range from short and wide to long and narrow. There is a tendril at the end of the leaf stem that entwines around other plants. The main stem is usually, but not always, “winged”, making it look and feel ribbon-like.

More photos

• March Vetchling growing over a stream
• pink Marsh Vetchling flowers

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN June 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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