Origin and Common Names
Lathyrus strictus Nutt., also known by its common names, Rocky Mountain everlasting pea or wild sweet pea, is a perennial plant species indigenous to North America. It is commonly found in the mountainous areas of western North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the United States.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a branching stem, which is slightly hairy and ridged. Its bluish-green leaves are pinnate, meaning they have multiple leaflets arranged on either side of the stem. The flowers of Lathyrus strictus Nutt. are showy and fragrant, with bright purple, pink, or sometimes white petals arranged in a symmetrical shape. The plant blooms from May to September.
Uses
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. has various uses in traditional medicine and horticulture. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders, skin problems, and inflammation. Some Native American communities use the plant in religious ceremonies and as a source of food. In horticulture, Lathyrus strictus Nutt. is often grown for its attractive flowers, which are commonly used in floral arrangements. The plant is also used in reclamation projects to restore native plant communities in disturbed areas, such as mining sites.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. prefers full sun to partial shade conditions for healthy growth and development. The plant thrives well in locations with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Shaded areas that receive less than 4 hours of sunlight can cause weak stems and leggy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. Lathyrus strictus Nutt. grows best in areas with a temperature range of 75°F to 85°F during the day and 60°F to 70°F at night. The plant can survive extreme temperatures from 50°F to 100°F, but growth may slow down. Frost or cold temperatures below 25°F can damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, as it can cause root rot symptoms. Adding organic matter such as compost or leaf mould to the soil before planting enhances soil nutrients, improves soil texture and tilth, and aids in water retention. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and chalky soils.
Cultivation
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. performs best in areas with full sunlight to partial shade. It can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and adding a balanced fertilizer.
Sow the seeds in the spring or the fall. Rake the soil to form shallow furrows before planting, and space the seedlings six inches apart. Cover the seeds with one to two inches of soil, and water them thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season, and reduce the amount of watering in the fall when rainfall increases. Avoid overhead watering to prevent moisture-related diseases. Irrigate at the base of the plant to soak the roots adequately.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before flowering begins. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, and water thoroughly. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower development.
Pruning
Prune Lathyrus strictus Nutt. in the spring before new growth starts. Cut back the stems to half of their length to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Remove dead or diseased stems whenever you spot them. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Propagation of Lathyrus strictus Nutt.
Lathyrus strictus Nutt. can be propagated by several methods including seed propagation, division, and cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right method depends on several factors including the purpose of propagation, time of year, and available resources.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Lathyrus strictus Nutt. and is relatively easy to perform. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the soil or started indoors using trays or pots. Seeds should be sown immediately after collection or stored in a cool, dry place until ready to sow. Seeds sown in the fall or winter will generally have a higher success rate than those sown in the spring or summer.
When sowing seeds directly into the soil, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and cover lightly with soil. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. Seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Lathyrus strictus Nutt. and involves dividing the plant into smaller sections. This method is generally used for mature plants that have outgrown their current space or are in need of rejuvenation. The best time to divide Lathyrus strictus Nutt. is in the early spring before new growth begins.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a good root system and at least one healthy stem. Replant the divided sections at the same depth as the original plant and water thoroughly.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Lathyrus strictus Nutt. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer by cutting a stem from a mature plant just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container filled with moist potting soil and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the container in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist until roots have formed.
Once roots have formed, the cutting can be planted directly into the soil or potted up into a larger container.
Disease Management
Lathyrus strictus Nutt is susceptible to a range of diseases including root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack plant roots, leading to wilting and eventual death. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing a powdery white coating to form. Bacterial wilt is caused by a soil-borne bacterium that affects the plant's vascular system, causing wilting and death.
To manage root rot, apply fungicides as soon as symptoms appear and avoid overwatering the plant. Improve soil drainage to prevent the buildup of soil-borne fungi that cause the disease. Practice crop rotation to prevent the recurrence of root rot in the future. To manage powdery mildew, use fungicides that contain sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate. Prune affected leaves and stems to reduce the spread of the disease.
In dealing with bacterial wilt, practice crop rotation to prevent the continuous growth of the pathogen in the soil. Remove and destroy affected plants and their roots. Use disease-free planting materials in future plantations. In the greenhouse setting, practice proper sanitation of soil and tools to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Pest Management
Lathyrus strictus Nutt is also susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, cutworms, and spider mites. Aphids are sap-sucking insects that cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant stem at night, causing the plant to wilt and die. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of leaves.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Remove affected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the pests. To manage cutworms, handpick and destroy them or use biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis. Place protective collars around the plant stem to prevent the cutworms from reaching it.
To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Increase humidity around the plant to deter the pests. Introduce natural predators like predatory mites. Prune affected leaves and stems to reduce the spread of the pests.
