Photo: Thayne TuasonCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Stiff-stemmed Pea Plant Care
Lathyrus rigidus T.G.White
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lathyrus rigidus is a species of wild pea known by the common name stiff pea. It is native to the Modoc Plateau and surrounding areas in the western United States from northeastern California to Idaho. It is a plant of the sagebrush scrub and other habitat in the region. This is a perennial herb forming a clump of short, erect stems. The leaves are made up of several pairs of leaflets 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 in) long each. The inflorescence is a dense raceme of two to five white or pink pea flowers, each roughly 2 cm (0.8 in) long. The fruit is a hairless legume pod.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Water Stiff-stemmed Pea every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Stiff-stemmed Pea Native To?
What Is the Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Stiff-stemmed Pea (Lathyrus rigidus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lathyrus genus. Stiff-stemmed Pea is native to the Modoc Plateau and surrounding areas in the western United States from northeastern California to Idaho. Stiff-stemmed Pea is also known as Stiff Pea, Lathyrus rigidus var. pilosellus.
Stiff-stemmed Pea displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Stiff-stemmed Pea produces colorful pea-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Lathyrus rigidus requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Stiff-stemmed Pea Need?
Stiff-stemmed Pea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stiff-stemmed Pea Prefer?
Lathyrus rigidus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Stiff-stemmed Pea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Stiff-stemmed Pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Feed Stiff-stemmed Pea every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Stiff-stemmed Pea can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden sweet pea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Stiff-stemmed Pea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Stiff-stemmed Pea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stiff-stemmed Pea?
Stiff-stemmed Pea is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stiff-stemmed Pea Need?
Stiff-stemmed Pea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Stiff-stemmed Pea is native to the Modoc Plateau and surrounding areas in the western United States from northeastern California to Idaho. In cooler regions, grow Stiff-stemmed Pea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Stiff-stemmed Pea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lathyrus genus — compare its care with other Lathyrus species on PlantoScan.
Lathyrus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Stiff-stemmed Pea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lathyrus Species
Other Lathyrus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lathyrus rigidus T.G.White, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 21: 455 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stiff-stemmed Pea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Thayne Tuason, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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