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.

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Austrian Winterpea (Lathyrus hirsutus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Austrian Winterpea

Austrian Winterpea is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.
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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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