Etymology: Lathyrus: from the Greek lathyros, an old name for "pea"
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall, smooth forb
Leaves: pinnately-divided into 3-5 pairs of leaflets with a tendril at the end; asymmetrical, rounded, leaf-like appendages at the base
Flowers: cream to yellow, 5-parted, 3/4" long; inflorescence a stalked cluster (raceme) of 5-10 stalked flowers on a stalk shorter than the leaves; blooms May-July
Fruits: long, flat pod
Habitat: dry; woods, forests, cliffs
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos