Delta Tule Pea
Lathyrus jepsonii var. californicus
Care
full sun, part shade
Standing
7–7ft tall
Prized
Central Valley wetlands and tule marshes from Sacramento County to San Joaquin County, endemic to California's delta region.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Delta Tule Pea in full sun in a location with excellent drainage - this native thrives in open, marshy areas and wetland settings where water moves through the soil naturally. Space plants to account for their climbing habit; they'll reach 7 feet tall and use their coiled tendrils to scramble upward, so provide a trellis or allow them to sprawl through nearby vegetation. The Calscape data doesn't specify ideal planting season for the Bay Area, so consult your local native plant nursery on timing.
After Planting
The Calscape data doesn't provide specific watering, pruning, or establishment schedules for this plant, so check with your nursery for year-one care guidance particular to our region. What we do know: this is a perennial that supports Western Tailed-Blue and Silvery Blue butterflies as a host plant, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator garden once established.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Threatened; Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multiple broods utilize plant as larval host throughout growing season
Larvae feed on host plant foliage during active growing season, multiple generations per year in California
Caterpillars develop on plant foliage; key larval host for this specialist butterfly
Larvae feed on legume foliage during primary flight period