How much sun does Oregon Pea need?

Oregon Pea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Oregon Pea bloom?

Oregon Pea blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Oregon Pea native?

Oregon Pea (Lathyrus polyphyllus) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Oregon Pea toxic to livestock?

Oregon Pea is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Oregon Pea attract?

Oregon Pea draws bees and butterflies.

Is Oregon Pea HOA-friendly?

Oregon Pea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Oregon Pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lathyrus polyphyllus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Oregon Pea is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range

Leafy pea is a native perennial wildflower that produces clusters of small pea-like flowers in shades of purple or pink. This climbing or sprawling plant works well as groundcover or can be trained up small supports, adding natural charm to garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Oregon 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.

Sprawling growth habit can appear uncontrolled
May look weedy or unkempt in formal settings
Climbing tendency requires management in maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late spring and summer blooming period. As a member of the pea family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Oregon Pea need?: Oregon Pea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Oregon Pea bloom?: Oregon Pea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Oregon Pea native?: Oregon Pea (Lathyrus polyphyllus) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Oregon Pea toxic to livestock?: Oregon Pea is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Oregon Pea attract?: Oregon Pea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Oregon Pea HOA-friendly?: Oregon 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 Oregon Pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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