Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii
Delta tule pea
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii (Delta tule pea) is a native California vine in the Fabaceae family, recognized by estuarine marsh habitat and glabrous robust habit diagnostic.
Delta tule pea is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Great Valley, particularly in Solano County and nearby central coastal areas, in coastal and estuarine marshes at elevations below 30 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces delicate flowers in small clusters. Growing with robust, glabrous stems up to 2.5 meters long, it spreads through marshy environments with a climbing or trailing habit. Its compound leaves feature multiple leaflets typical of pea-family plants, adapted to thrive in wetland habitats. The plant's ability to persist in sensitive marsh ecosystems makes it an important indicator of coastal wetland health.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; estuarine marsh habitat and glabrous robust habit diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal, estuarine marshes
Elevation: < 30 m
California counties: Monterey, Solano, Alameda, Fresno, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Napa, Marin
Bloom period
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii blooms Apr-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Vicia: Lathyrus style is flattened with hairs on top only; Vicia style is round and hairy all around.; vs Pickeringia: Lathyrus has tendrils and compound leaves; Pickeringia is a spiny shrub with simple leaves.; vs Pisum: Lathyrus has small normal stipules; Pisum has giant leafy stipules larger than leaflets.; vs Lupinus: Lathyrus has two leaflets and tendrils; Lupinus has palmate leaves with no tendrils.; vs Hosackia: Lathyrus has exactly two leaflets and tendrils; Hosackia has 3-9 leaflets with no tendrils.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii native to California?
Yes. Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii bloom?
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii grow?
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii occurs in Monterey, Solano, Alameda, Fresno, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and other counties, at elevations of < 30 m.
What plant family does Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii belong to?
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lathyrus.
Is Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii rare or endangered?
Lathyrus jepsonii var. jepsonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.