Wild orchid?
 

Hi Everyone --

So my friend has this flowering plant outside her front yard in Maryland. I can't tell if it's an orchid or not. I was wondering if anyone here could ID it for me?

Thanks!
Katie

It isn't an orchid. It's a sweet pea (Lathyrus).

Thanks Ron!

not an orchid... just wild peas.... ;)

MMmmmm... peas...:drool:

Thanks everyone! My friend is glad to know it's sweat peas, but kinda sad it wasn't orchids :(

Dear Katie,

The genus Lathyrus should always be a reminder of how bad many people have it in their lot in life and how the rest of us should stop whining about nearly everything. The name refers to it being poisonous, but not fatal in moderation. There is a medical condition called lathyrism which is a paralysis of the legs. In parts of Asia, when the food supply runs low, the father will give the children the remaining grain and eat seeds of the Lathyrus, accepting the consequences of his loving act. And we complain about the price of gas - forgetting how remarkable it is that we can afford the car in the first place!

Eric