Snub Pea
Lathyrus sulphureus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Snub Pea (Lathyrus sulphureus) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Snub pea is a native vine that produces cheerful yellow flowers from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial grows 1-4 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for covering ground or trailing over edges. It goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth returns.
In an HOA neighborhood
Snub 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.
- Completely disappears in winter leaving bare ground
- Vine growth habit can appear uncontrolled
- May be viewed as weedy by traditional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The bright yellow blooms attract native bees and butterflies during the summer flowering period. As a member of the pea family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Snub Pea need?
- Snub Pea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Snub Pea bloom?
- Snub Pea blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Snub Pea native?
- Snub Pea (Lathyrus sulphureus) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Snub Pea attract?
- Snub Pea draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Snub Pea HOA-friendly?
- Snub 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Snub Pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.