Lathyrus sylvestris, commonly known as the narrow-leaved everlasting-pea, is a climbing perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including forest edges, dry meadows, and disturbed sites across Europe and temperate Asia. It is not native to Africa, which was erroneously included in the original description. This species typically climbs up to 79 inches (200 centimeters) using tendrils that arise from the leaf axils. It forms dense mats of herbage with winged stems and elongated leaflets. From late spring to midsummer, it produces showy clusters of pink to purple flowers, followed by long, slender legume pods.

The narrow-leaved everlasting-pea is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for planting in areas with loose or disturbed soils. It is also used in wildflower meadows and as an ornamental climber in gardens, where its flowers add a splash of color. This plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. It requires moderate watering and is relatively low-maintenance once established. The cultivar ’Lathco’ is particularly noted for its effectiveness in highly disturbed environments and is often used in restoration projects. Gardeners should be aware that Lathyrus sylvestris can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, and its seeds and other plant parts contain a toxin that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.CC BY-SA 4.0