Broad-leaved Peavine

• Invasive:

 

Flat Pea (Lathyrus sylvestris): This invasive is from the same family as Flat Pea; the two species are often confused for one another. Flat Pea can grow as tall as Broad-leaved Peavine, but its pods and leaves are smaller.

You can learn more about the similarities and differences between Broad-leaved Peavine and Flat Pea in this comparison factsheet.

Health:

• Fruits and leaves contain toxic compounds, and if eaten in large quantities these compounds can cause lathyrism, a serious disease. Humans, horses, and other animals with a single stomach are more susceptible.

Ecological:

• Grows to form dense patches that outcompete all over low-growing native vegetation.
• Vines climb up and choke trees and shrubs.

Broad-leaved Peavine is found in small amounts throughout the Sea to Sky, so PREVENTION of further spread is key.

Learn to identify Broad-leaved Peavine: use the images presented on this profile page to learn how to identify this plant.

What to do if you spot Broad-leaved Peavine: You can report any sighting by clicking here.

 

DO:

• Regularly monitor properties for infestations.
• Ensure soil and gravel are uncontaminated before transport
• Remove plant material from any equipment, vehicles, or clothing used in infested areas and wash equipment and vehicles at designated cleaning sites before leaving these areas.
• Minimize soil disturbances (e.g. use grazing plans that prevent soil exposure from overgrazing), and use seed mixes with dense, early colonization (e.g. alfalfa or barley) to re-vegetate exposed soil and resist invasion.
• Ensure plants (particularly seed pods or root fragments) are bagged or covered to prevent spread during transport to designated disposal sites (e.g. landfill).

DO NOT:

• Don’t unload, park, or store equipment or vehicles in infested areas
• Do not plant Broad-leaved Peavine, no matter how well-contained the area might seem.
• DO NOT COMPOST!

 

Control

Mechanical

• Hand-pulling or cutting stems is a temporary control method since plants re-grow from any remaining roots.
• This regrowth can be hindered by covering the site and surrounding ground with woven plastic fabrics or other materials. This covering must be kept on for a minimum of 2 years, and the location monitored. Note: this method may also stop the growth of other nearby plants, which may not be ideal.

Chemical

• Translocated and selective herbicides (for broad-leaved plants), such as triclopyr and dicamba, can be effective on Broad-leaved Peavine.
• Picloram is also effective, but it is not suitable for wet, coastal soil.
• Treat areas should not be disturbed until the herbicide has had the chance to work (2 – 3 weeks).
• New vegetation must be established following effective chemical treatment.
• We recommend that any herbicide application is carried out by a person holding a valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate. Before selecting and applying herbicides, you must review and follow herbicide labels and application rates; municipal, regional, provincial, and federal laws and regulations; species-specific treatment recommendations, and site-specific goals and objectives.

Cultural

Goats have been known to graze on Broad-leaved Peavine.

Biological

There is currently no biocontrol agent for this plant.