Nevada Pea
Lathyrus lanszwertii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low-growing native wildflower that produces delicate pink to purple pea-like blooms from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nevada Pea takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears too wild and informal for typical HOA standards
- Can look sparse or weedy when not in bloom
- May die back significantly during dormant periods
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and other pollinators during the spring and early summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nevada Pea need?
- Nevada Pea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nevada Pea bloom?
- Nevada Pea blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Nevada Pea native?
- Nevada Pea (Lathyrus lanszwertii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Nevada Pea attract?
- Nevada Pea draws bees.
- Is Nevada Pea HOA-friendly?
- Nevada Pea 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Nevada Pea? 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