Confirmation please

[Johnny81]

Do you agree this is Broad-leaved everlasting pea? If so it is getting everywhere near some botanically rich chalk soils, do you think this is becoming a problem plant (if it is that)?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Looks like it to me. I've not heard of it being a pest species anywhere particularly, but then most people don't recognise Goat's-rue as a problem.

Cheers,

Adam

[Johnny81]

Indeed, this is on SSSI! This has been documented in my report of the area, but I wanted to make sure of this one and see if anyone has seen masses of this escape also. The most of what it is doing is trailing over bramble, but hope it doesn't spread much further.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by Johnny81

Indeed, this is on SSSI! This has been documented in my report of the area, but I wanted to make sure of this one and see if anyone has seen masses of this escape also. The most of what it is doing is trailing over bramble, but hope it doesn't spread much further.

I think it is regarded as a naturalised species now. Nonetheless I can see why you might be worried. I have seen it growing over open ground as well as trailing over fences, brambles and the like. From my experience it is one that doesn't spread as fast as other species, but given the explosive seed pods can spread its seed about 5m or so. One to keep an eye on if you are concerned, but as I said I have not heard of it being detrimental to the overall biodiversity of any site or habitat particularly.

Cheers,

Adam

[Johnny81]

One to watch for the future then. Aside all of this it is still a rather attractive plant

[Dorts]

I have never had reason to think this plant is becoming a problem. Admittedly in a few area, especially around London and the other large conurbations, it has become very common in habitats that it finds suitable.
But as the distribution map shows in most other areas, it is not so common, and is even decreasing.

BSBI Maps Scheme: Hectad Map Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea

Dorts.