Marsh Vetchling
Lathyrus palustris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Marsh Vetchling (Lathyrus palustris) 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.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Marsh vetchling is a climbing perennial vine that produces small purple pea-like flowers from June through August. This native wetland plant thrives in moist soils and partial sun, spreading moderately through underground rhizomes. It requires consistent moisture and may struggle in typical residential settings without supplemental watering.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh Vetchling takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vine growth habit appears unstructured and wild
- Requires specialized wetland conditions difficult to maintain
- May look sparse or straggly without proper support
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a member of the pea family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Marsh Vetchling need?
- Marsh Vetchling grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Marsh Vetchling bloom?
- Marsh Vetchling blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Marsh Vetchling native?
- Marsh Vetchling (Lathyrus palustris) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Marsh Vetchling attract?
- Marsh Vetchling draws bees and beetles.
- Is Marsh Vetchling HOA-friendly?
- Marsh Vetchling 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Marsh Vetchling? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz