Origin
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is a native perennial plant in western North America, specifically found in the Western United States and Canada, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington. It grows in a variety of habitats including meadows, rocky slopes, and forests.
Common Names
Some common names for Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis include Nevada sweetpea, wild sweet pea, and Sierra sweet pea.
Uses
This plant has been used medicinally by various Native American tribes for a variety of purposes, including treating stomach and respiratory ailments. It is also used as a food source for animals such as deer and elk.
General Appearance
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is a vine-like perennial plant that grows up to 90 cm tall. It has light green pinnate leaves with 4-10 pairs of leaflets. The plant produces clusters of purple or pinkish flowers with distinctive keel petals. The flowers bloom between May and August. The pod-like fruit contains several seeds that are dispersed by animals or water.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is a sun-loving plant that requires full to part sunlight for optimum growth. The plant thrives well in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis grows well in moderate to cool temperatures. The plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where the average annual temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The plant can tolerate occasional frost or mild freezing, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with medium to low fertility. Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, with a range of 6.5 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate periodic drought but needs to be watered regularly during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is a perennial plant that is native to Nevada and Southern California. It is a tough plant that can withstand harsh conditions, including rocky and dry soils. Therefore, it does not require much attention and care during cultivation.
This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If you are starting from seeds, sow them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle to their permanent position in the garden.
When planting in the garden, choose a spot that has full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water well, and then mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
Watering Needs
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis requires regular watering during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once the plant is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Nevertheless, the plant will benefit from occasional deep watering during the dry periods.
When watering, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems. Always water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid evaporation loss.
Fertilization
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis does not require much fertilizer. However, you can give it a boost during the growing season by applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Alternatively, you can use organic compost to nourish the plant. Apply the compost around the plant's base, taking care not to let it touch the plant's stem.
Pruning
You do not need to prune Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis. However, you can deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Deadheading is the process of removing the faded flowers before they produce seeds.
If the plant has become too leggy or messy, you can cut it back to a few inches above the ground. This pruning should be done during the early spring when the new growth appears.
Propagation of Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis, commonly known as Sierra pea, is a hardy perennial plant native to western North America. The plant typically grows in rocky and sandy habitats, especially in dry mountain areas. It produces showy pink and purple flowers in spring, making it an attractive addition to any garden.
Propagation by Seed
One of the easiest ways to propagate Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is by seed. Direct sow the seeds in the garden in the spring, or start them indoors about six weeks before the last frost. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the hard seed coat and increase germination rates.
Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which can take up to three weeks. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to about 6 inches apart.
Propagation by Division
Another way to propagate Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is by division. This method works well for established plants that have outgrown their space or need to be rejuvenated. Divide the plant in the spring or fall when it is not actively growing.
Dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into sections. Each section should have several healthy shoots and a good root system. Replant the sections immediately in well-draining soil and water them well. Keep the soil moist until the plants have become established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a stem that is at least 4 inches long and has several healthy leaves.
Remove the lower leaves of the stem, leaving only two or three at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and keep it out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the cutting has rooted, which can take up to six weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cutting to a larger container or the garden.
Overall, Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is an easy plant to propagate by seed, division, or cuttings. With these methods, you can easily propagate and enjoy this lovely plant in your garden.
Disease Management for Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis
Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis is commonly susceptible to various diseases, which can cause significant harm to the plant. Here are some of the common diseases that affect the plant and some management techniques that could be employed:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can significantly diminish the plant's growth, causing severe damage to the foliage and flowers. The disease is caused by the fungi Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. It manifests as irregularly shaped brown spots on the foliage and pods.
To manage anthracnose, it's essential to plant resistant cultivars. Also, it would help to maintain healthy foliage and reduce leaf wetness by practicing crop rotation and using appropriate cultural practices. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of anthracnose.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a severe bacterial disease that affects the leaves, stems, flowers of Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis. It is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. The symptoms of bacterial blight include irregularly shaped, water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems.
Management techniques for bacterial blight include planting pathogen-free seeds and screening for resistant cultivars. Additionally, proper sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant parts and plant debris, help reduce the disease's spread.
Pest Management for Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis
Several pests attack Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis, causing significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and some management techniques that could be employed:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can cause damage to Lathyrus nevadensis S. Wats. ssp. nevadensis by feeding on the plant's sap. This feeding causes stunted growth, deformity, and yellowing of plant tissue. They also produce honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold.
To manage aphids, conventional methods such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil could be used. Cultivating plants that attract natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, can also be an effective means of controlling aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are common pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration and wilted leaves. The mites are tiny and often require a magnifying lens to spot.
To manage spider mites, it's essential to maintain healthy plants and prevent dry conditions that can encourage infestation. Regularly spraying the plant with a jet of water is an effective means of reducing infestation levels. Acaricides are also used to combat spider mites.
