Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea
Lathyrus sylvestris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea (Lathyrus sylvestris) 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.
Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–96" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea
Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaNarrow-leaf everlasting-pea is a climbing perennial vine that produces clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers from May through July. This hardy plant can reach 8 feet in height and spreads 2-4 feet wide, making it useful for covering fences, trellises, or slopes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea 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.
- Vigorous vine growth can appear uncontrolled
- May spread aggressively beyond intended areas
- Can look messy without proper support structure
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the long blooming period from late spring through summer. Seeds may also provide food for birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea need?
- Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea bloom?
- Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea toxic to livestock?
- Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea attract?
- Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea HOA-friendly?
- Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea 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 Narrow-leaf Everlasting-pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz