Status: Native
Synonyms:
Lathyrus palustris Linnaeus var. graminifolius S. Watson
Lathyrus graminifolius is most easily identified by the compound leaves with long filiform leaflets. The
flowers are pink marked with purple, and turn orange as they age. Lathyrus graminifolius is found at upper middle
to upper elevations in the Gila National Forest.
Lathyrus and Vicia are two genera that can be difficult to tell apart without using a loupe to examine the style. If
one carefully removes the petals and the stamens so that just the stigma remains, the difference becomes obvious. In Lathyrus,
the style is hairy up and down an entire side, whereas in Vicia there is just a tuft of hairs below the apex.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Lathyrus graminifolius, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, May 5, 2008
Lathyrus graminifolius, growth pattern, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, May 5, 2008
Lathyrus graminifolius, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, May 15, 2009
Lathyrus graminifolius, the style is hairy all up and down one side in Lathyrus, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, May 15, 2009
Back to the Index