How much sun does Austrian Winterpea need?

Austrian Winterpea grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Austrian Winterpea bloom?

Austrian Winterpea blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Austrian Winterpea native?

Austrian Winterpea (Lathyrus hirsutus) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Austrian Winterpea toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Austrian Winterpea as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Austrian Winterpea attract?

Austrian Winterpea draws bees and butterflies.

Is Austrian Winterpea HOA-friendly?

Austrian Winterpea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Austrian Winterpea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lathyrus hirsutus

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Austrian Winterpea as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CA, FL and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Austrian winterpea is a climbing annual vine that produces small purple flowers from May through July. This non-native legume can scramble over other plants or trail along the ground, reaching up to 4 feet in length.

In an HOA neighborhood

Austrian Winterpea takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Non-native species may be discouraged
Vining growth habit can appear uncontrolled
Annual lifecycle creates gaps in landscape

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies during its blooming period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Austrian Winterpea need?: Austrian Winterpea grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Austrian Winterpea bloom?: Austrian Winterpea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Austrian Winterpea native?: Austrian Winterpea (Lathyrus hirsutus) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Austrian Winterpea toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Austrian Winterpea as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Austrian Winterpea attract?: Austrian Winterpea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Austrian Winterpea HOA-friendly?: Austrian Winterpea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Austrian Winterpea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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