Etymology: Lathyrus: from the Greek lathyros, an old name for "pea"
Plants: climbing, perennial, 2'-3' long, stout forb with a wingless stem
Leaves: pinnately-divided into 8-12 elliptical leaflets with a tendril at the end; asymmetrical, narrowly arrow-shaped, leaf-like appendages at the base
Flowers: purple to red, 5-parted, 3/4" long; inflorescence a dense, stalked cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms June-July
Fruits: flat, long pod
Habitat: dry, moderate moisture to wet; prairies, woods, streambanks
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FAC Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"