Vicia lathyroides
Pea vetch
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Vine · Not Native
Vicia lathyroides (Pea vetch) is a non-native California vine in the Fabaceae family, recognized by very small size and single flowers, limited range.
Pea vetch is a naturalized annual found in northern coastal California (NCoRO) in disturbed areas at an elevation of 228 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces white-lavender or dull blue flowers approximately 5 to 6 millimeters long. Growing with prostrate to erect stems 5 to 25 centimeters tall, it displays a delicate spreading form. Its leaves feature 4 to 6 leaflets ranging from 3 to 15 millimeters long, which are lanceolate to obovate in shape. The fruit is an oblong pod 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long, glabrous and slightly wider than 3 millimeters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; very small size and single flowers, limited range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: 228 m
Outside California: to Washington, southeastern United States, native to Europe
Bloom period
Vicia lathyroides blooms Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Lathyrus: Vicia style is round and hairy all around; Lathyrus style is flattened with hairs only on top.; vs Astragalus: Vicia has tendrils at leaf tips; Astragalus leaves end in a leaflet with no tendril.; vs Pisum: Vicia has many leaflets and tiny stipules; Pisum has 4-6 leaflets and giant stipules.; vs Salvia: Vicia has pea flowers and tendril-tipped leaves; Salvia has tubular two-lipped flowers and simple leaves.; vs Lupinus: Vicia has tendril-tipped pinnate leaves; Lupinus has palmate leaves radiating from one point.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vicia lathyroides native to California?
No. Vicia lathyroides is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Vicia lathyroides bloom?
Vicia lathyroides blooms Jun.
What plant family does Vicia lathyroides belong to?
Vicia lathyroides is in the Fabaceae family, genus Vicia.
What habitat does Vicia lathyroides grow in?
Vicia lathyroides grows in Disturbed areas.
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.