How much sun does Stiff Pea need?

Stiff Pea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Stiff Pea bloom?

Stiff Pea blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Stiff Pea native?

Stiff Pea (Lathyrus rigidus) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Stiff Pea attract?

Stiff Pea draws bees and butterflies.

Is Stiff Pea HOA-friendly?

Stiff Pea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Stiff Pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lathyrus rigidus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Stiff Pea (Lathyrus rigidus) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, NV, 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

Stiff pea is a compact native perennial that produces attractive flowers from April through June. This drought-tolerant plant maintains a tidy, low-growing form that works well in water-wise landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stiff Pea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May go dormant in summer heat
Unfamiliar plant to some HOA boards

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract both bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during the active growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Stiff Pea need?: Stiff Pea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Stiff Pea bloom?: Stiff Pea blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Stiff Pea native?: Stiff Pea (Lathyrus rigidus) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Stiff Pea attract?: Stiff Pea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Stiff Pea HOA-friendly?: Stiff Pea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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