Austrian Winterpea
Lathyrus hirsutus
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
Does Austrian Winterpea fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.