Lathyrus sylvestris

Lathyrus sylvestris, commonly known as the perennial pea, is a resilient wildflower celebrated for its striking violet blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds historical significance in traditional herbalism. It is valued for its nitrogen-fixing properties and potential therapeutic applications in treating various minor ailments and supporting wellness.

  • Scientific name: Lathyrus sylvestris
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Lathyrus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Lathyrus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lathyrus sylvestris, is recognized by various regional common names across Europe. In Poland, it is referred to as Groszek leśny, while in France, it is called gesse des bois. Its names also vary in Northern and Eastern Europe, where it is known as metsänätkelemä in Finnish and mets-seahernes in Estonian. Additionally, in Germany, the species is commonly called Wilde Platteerbse.
Language Common Name Source
pl Groszek leśny Wikidata
fr gesse des bois Wikidata
fi metsänätkelmä Wikidata
et mets-seahernes Wikidata
de Wilde Platterbse Wikidata
lt Miškinis pelėžirnis Wikidata
hsb Lěsny hróšik Wikidata
da Skov-Fladbælg Wikidata
sv Backvial Wikidata
cs hrachor lesní Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing across the diverse landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its distribution extends to the various territories of Great Britain. The species is also well-established throughout the coastal and inland areas of Norway. Finally, its presence is confirmed within the northern reaches of Sweden.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP

Chemicals

Lathyrus sylvestris has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, DABA, ammonia.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2,4-diaminobutyric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
DABA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ammonia 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lathyrus sylvestris has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Toxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Toxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆