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Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

Posted by gottagarden z5 western NY (My Page) on
Tue, Mar 13, 12 at 7:09

Does lathyrus vernus (spring vetchling) have a tap root or fibrous roots? Planning for transplanting.

THANKS


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

-Brenda, I am pretty sure they don't. I can't remember seeing one when I first planted mine four years ago or so.

Hopefully someone else can come along and confirm that...
CMK


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RE: Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

I have divided mine without problems, no taproot observed.


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RE: Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

I have grown perennial sweet pea for years, and oh my god does it have a tap root! Hard, woody, like a tree and impossible to dig out fully. My plants are very old, but even younger ones are taprooted. Not only that, the stuff reseeds everywhere and if you don't get it while it is very young, it is going to be there until you blast it out. Very invasive stuff. Maybe what you folks have is some kind of new cultivar, but trust me, the old fashioned variety that was around when your grandmother was young, does have a taproot! And it has no scent, either.

Some of my plants are at least 65 yrs old, they have been growing on the same wire fence since my house was built. Both the pink and white varieties.

Sandy


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RE: Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

I wonder if everyone is talking about the same plant? 'Perennial sweet pea' usually refers to Lathyrus latifolius and I think that may be what Sandy has. It has a taproot. Lathyrus vernus is sometimes called Spring vetchling, spring sweet pea or herbaceous sweet pea. It is bushy rather than vining.

Here is a link that might be useful: L latifolius and L vernus


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RE: Does lathyrus vernus ( perennial sweet pea) have a tap root?

Thanks everyone! Flora, thanks especially to pointing me to Paghat's pages where he distinguishes between the 2 peas - one with taproot and invasive (latifolius) and the other not. I'm clear now.


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