Sierra Pea: A Rare Pacific Northwest Native Worth Protecting
Meet the Sierra pea (Lathyrus nevadensis lanceolatus var. puniceus), a charming yet mysterious member of the legume family that calls the Pacific Northwest home. This delicate perennial herb might not be the flashiest plant in your garden center, but it carries the special distinction of being a true regional native – and a rare one at that.
What Makes Sierra Pea Special?
Sierra pea belongs to the beloved Lathyrus genus, which includes sweet peas and other climbing beauties. As a perennial forb, this plant returns year after year, forming soft, herbaceous growth rather than woody stems. Think of it as nature’s own little green ambassador – unpretentious but perfectly adapted to its Pacific Northwest home.
Where Does Sierra Pea Grow?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit concerning): Sierra pea is currently known to grow naturally only in Washington state. This extremely limited range makes it quite the botanical treasure, but also raises some red flags about its conservation status.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Before you get too excited about adding Sierra pea to your garden, there’s something important you need to know. This plant has a Global Conservation Status of S5T3?, which essentially means experts aren’t entirely sure about its current population status – and that question mark should give us all pause.
What does this mean for gardeners? If you’re lucky enough to find Sierra pea available for planting, make absolutely sure you’re getting it from a responsible, ethical source that doesn’t harvest from wild populations. Better yet, consider supporting conservation efforts for this species rather than trying to grow it yourself.
The Mystery of Growing Sierra Pea
Here’s the honest truth: we don’t know much about Sierra pea’s specific growing requirements, and that’s part of what makes it so intriguing. Like other members of the pea family, it’s likely nitrogen-fixing, meaning it partners with soil bacteria to improve soil fertility – a pretty neat trick that benefits neighboring plants too.
What we can reasonably assume based on its family ties:
- It probably prefers well-draining soil
- As a Pacific Northwest native, it’s likely adapted to the region’s wet winters and dry summers
- Being a legume, it may attract beneficial insects and pollinators
- Its perennial nature means it’s built for the long haul
Should You Plant Sierra Pea?
This is where we need to pump the brakes a bit. Given Sierra pea’s uncertain conservation status and extremely limited range, the most responsible approach is to admire it from afar and support conservation efforts instead. If you’re passionate about growing native peas in the Pacific Northwest, consider these more common alternatives:
- Beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus) for coastal gardens
- Everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) for naturalized areas
- Other native legumes like lupines or vetches
The Bigger Picture
Sierra pea reminds us that native gardening isn’t just about pretty flowers and easy care – it’s about understanding and protecting the intricate web of plants that make our regional ecosystems unique. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a rare plant is to leave it in its natural habitat and support the research and conservation efforts that help us understand it better.
While we may not be able to invite Sierra pea into our gardens just yet, we can celebrate its existence and work to ensure that future generations might have the chance to know this special Pacific Northwest native. After all, the best garden stories are sometimes about the plants we choose to protect rather than the ones we choose to grow.
