Flat Pea: A Hardy Climbing Ground Cover for Challenging Sites
If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance plant that can handle poor soils and challenging growing conditions, flat pea (Lathyrus sylvestris) might catch your attention. This hardy perennial herb brings a splash of color to difficult spots in the garden, though it comes with some important considerations for the conscientious gardener.
What is Flat Pea?
Flat pea is a climbing perennial that belongs to the legume family. True to its name, this plant features distinctive flattened, winged stems that help distinguish it from other climbing peas. The compound leaves end in delicate tendrils that help the plant scramble over other vegetation or climb supports, reaching heights of 3-6 feet.
From late spring through summer, flat pea produces clusters of attractive pea-like flowers in shades of pink to purple. These blooms are followed by typical pea pods, and the plant readily self-seeds in favorable conditions.
Native Status and Distribution
It’s important to note that flat pea is not native to North America. Originally from Europe, particularly Mediterranean and temperate regions, this species has established itself across much of the continent. You can find naturalized populations throughout Canada and across numerous U.S. states, from the Northeast down to Georgia and west to the Pacific Coast.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
Flat pea shines in situations where many other plants struggle. Its robust nature and attractive flowers make it useful for:
- Erosion control on slopes and embankments
- Ground cover in naturalized or wild garden areas
- Adding color to poor, rocky, or disturbed soils
- Creating habitat in challenging locations
The plant’s climbing habit allows it to weave through other vegetation or climb fences and supports, making it versatile for different landscape applications.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of flat pea’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. This tough customer thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils of various types, including poor and rocky conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, though benefits from occasional watering
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance once established
As a legume, flat pea has the bonus ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, potentially improving growing conditions for neighboring plants.
Planting and Propagation
Flat pea is remarkably easy to establish. Seeds can be direct sown in spring or fall, and the plant readily self-seeds once established. In fact, this enthusiastic self-seeding habit means you’ll want to keep an eye on its spread and remove unwanted seedlings.
The plant may benefit from occasional cutting back to prevent it from becoming too aggressive or overwhelming nearby vegetation.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making flat pea a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. The seeds may also provide food for birds and small mammals.
Should You Plant Flat Pea?
Flat pea can be a practical choice for challenging sites where native options might struggle. However, as a non-native species, it’s worth considering native alternatives first. Some excellent native climbing or ground cover options to consider include:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Native honeysuckles (Lonicera species)
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Native vetches (Vicia species)
If you do choose to plant flat pea, monitor its spread and be prepared to manage it to prevent it from overwhelming native vegetation. Its vigorous nature makes it most appropriate for naturalized areas rather than formal garden beds.
The Bottom Line
Flat pea is a hardy, attractive option for difficult sites where you need tough, colorful ground cover. While it’s not native, it can serve a useful purpose in the right location with proper management. Just remember to keep an eye on its enthusiastic spreading habits and consider native alternatives when possible. Your local ecosystem—and your garden maintenance schedule—will thank you for the thoughtful approach.
