Lathyrus Torreyi

Day 276: At the extreme upper end of its range, there exists a small patch of rare and endangered Torrey's peavine (Lathyrus torreyi). When my botany partners and I first observed it in 2020, it covered a plot roughly 12" x 20". During the peak pandemic years, I made only one trip to check on it, and found that by 2022, it had doubled in size. This year, our goal was first to find it in bloom, and second, to take voucher specimens for the Park and the WTU Herbarium, if and only if the population met specific requirements for number of plants. We were delighted to find that the patch had again doubled in size, and now covers an area which measures approximately 30 sq. ft. It was in bloom, so we obtained the requisite three specimens which went immediately into my plant press. With one success under our belts, our botany day had just begun.

Rare And Endangered Pea

Day 284: This vetch-like legume is one of the most significant milestones of my botanical career. It is on the state's list of rare and endangered species, and Pierce County is at the northernmost margin of its limited range. I first observed Torrey's Peavine (Lathyrus torreyi) after receiving an alert from my contact at the WTU Herbarium. Following his instructions for reaching the site, I found the vines occupying a patch roughly 12" x 20" with a few fading flowers and, as I recall, no evidence of developing buds. I am happy to report that two years later, Torrey is in good health as of a recent visit to the location, and the patch has now more than doubled in size. The vines were displaying both blossoms and new buds, but how the first seed reached this site is a matter of conjecture. Obviously, I can't disclose the location. Just suffice to say that I think it's an odd place to have a pea.