Caleypea
Lathyrus hirsutus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Caleypea (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 Caleypea 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 Caleypea
Caleypea 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.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaAustrian 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
Caleypea 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 Caleypea need?
- Caleypea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Caleypea bloom?
- Caleypea blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Caleypea toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Caleypea as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Caleypea attract?
- Caleypea draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Caleypea HOA-friendly?
- Caleypea 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Caleypea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.