Lathyrus pratensis

Meadow vetchling
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Lathyrus
Species:
L. pratensis
Binomial name
Lathyrus pratensis

Lathyrus pratensis or meadow vetchling,[1] yellow pea,[2] meadow pea[3] and meadow pea-vine, is a perennial legume that grows to 1.2 m in height.

The hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by bees. As a perennial, this plant reproduces itself over many years, spreading out from the point it was introduced, especially in damp grassy areas. This plant has been propagated in the past as animal fodder.

Lathyrus pratensis is also a host plant for ovipositioning of the wood white butterfly (Leptidea sinapis).[4]

  1. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  2. ^ Stokoe, W.J. The Observer's Book of Wild Flowers (1965 ed.). Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. p. 87.
  3. ^ "Lathyrus pratensis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  4. ^ Clarke, S. A.; Green, D. G.; Joy, J.; Wollen, K.; Butler, I. (2011-04-01). "Leptidea sinapis (Wood White butterfly) egg-laying habitat and adult dispersal studies in Herefordshire". Journal of Insect Conservation. 15 (1-2): 23–35. doi:10.1007/s10841-010-9300-8. ISSN 1366-638X.