Sweet Peas- Edible or poisonous - Ask Extension
I have a ton of these sweet peas come up in my yard every year. I keep getting conflicting information whether or not the pods are edible or poisonous...
Knowledgebase
Sweet Peas- Edible or poisonous #583425
Asked July 25, 2019, 12:22 PM EDT
I have a ton of these sweet peas come up in my yard every year. I keep getting conflicting information whether or not the pods are edible or poisonous. Is this strictly ornamental? Please clarify. Thank you!
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Unlike English Peas and Snow Peas, the seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing and convulsions.
Sweet peas are strictly ornamental. DO NOT EAT THEM.
Thank you!
