Lathyrus ornatus - Bush Vetchling

Family:	Leguminosae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Synonyms:	L. eucosmus. Butters.&St.John.
Range:	Western N. America - Oklahoma to Kansas and South Dakota, west to Colorado and Utah.

Lathyrus ornatus (Bush Vetchling) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 3.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Bush Vetchling will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Bush Vetchling prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Bush Vetchling should not be planted in shady areas.

Prairies and plains[235]. Dry open pinewoods, 1500 - 2100m in Arizona.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Seedpods - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161].

• Seedpod - things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The plant has been used to help remove the placenta after child birth[257]. The plant has disinfectant properties, a cold infusion has been used internally and as a wash in the treatment of 'deer infection'[257].

• Birthing aid - Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
• Disinfectant - Used for cleaning wounds.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[200]. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[200].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada
Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Author: Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.
Date of Publication : 1970

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