Family: Fabaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Grows in regions with temperate to subtropical climates
- Naturalized in the Azores
- A possible disturbance or agricultural weed
- Other Lathyrus species are invasive weeds
- Seeds may be toxic to animals and humans if consumed in large quantities
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Self-fertile
- Reaches maturity in <1 year
- Seeds dispersed by humans and livestock
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity unknown)
Low Risk Traits:
- A domesticated food and fodder crop
- Despite naturalization and reports of weedy forms, negative impacts have not been reported
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock (palatable despite reports of seed toxicity)
- Thrives in full sun and high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Not reported to spread vegetatively