Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus
Dryland nevada pea
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus (Dryland nevada pea) is a native California vine in the Fabaceae family, recognized by ascending habit, narrow leaflets, and reduced tendrils key.
Dryland nevada pea is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and Modoc Plateau in open, dry woodland and meadows at elevations of 1,200 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale lavender to purple flowers 7 to 11 millimeters long with delicate, soft petals. Growing with generally ascending stems that do not climb, it reaches moderate height with a puberulent (softly hairy) texture. Its leaves feature narrow, lance-like leaflets, often accompanied by a bristle-like tendril or no tendril at all. The plant displays a distinctive adaptation to arid woodland environments, with its slender growth form and compact flower structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; ascending habit, narrow leaflets, and reduced tendrils key
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, dry woodland, meadows
Elevation: 1200-2000 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus blooms May-Jul.
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 lanszwertii var. aridus native to California?
Yes. Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus bloom?
Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus belong to?
Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lathyrus.
What habitat does Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus grow in?
Lathyrus lanszwertii var. aridus grows in Open, dry woodland, meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.