Lathyrus splendens
Pride-of-california, Pride-Of-California
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Vine · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Lathyrus splendens (Pride-of-california) is a native California vine in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive large crimson flowers and southern California chaparral habitat.
Pride-of-california is a California native perennial found in southern Southern California and the Peninsular Ranges in San Diego County within chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,050 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces wine-red to crimson flowers 25 to 35 millimeters long with a banner dramatically reflexed 120 to 180 degrees. Growing with generally climbing stems that are distinctively angled or flanged, it develops tendrils that coil elegantly. Its leaves feature 6 to 8 leaflets ranging from 2 to 4 centimeters long, which can vary from linear to widely ovate shapes with small, wavy-margined stipules. The fruit develops glabrous and compact, completing this striking legume's seasonal cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; distinctive large crimson flowers and southern California chaparral habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: < 1050 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Lathyrus splendens blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 splendens native to California?
Yes. Lathyrus splendens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lathyrus splendens bloom?
Lathyrus splendens blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Lathyrus splendens belong to?
Lathyrus splendens is in the Fabaceae family, genus Lathyrus.
Is Lathyrus splendens rare or endangered?
Lathyrus splendens carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
What habitat does Lathyrus splendens grow in?
Lathyrus splendens grows in Chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.