Lathyrus pratensis
meadow vetchling
A scrambling perennial with angled stems up to about 1.2m tall, producing pairs of narrow bright green leaflets, tendrils, and long spikes of 5-12 pea-like yellow flowers, from May to August followed by black seed pods
Other common names
common vetchlinglady's fingers
see moremeadow pea
meadow vetchling
yellow vetchling
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Africa Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile grassland, meadows, verges and hedge rows
Propagation
Sow seed in autumn for best results but once established spreads by underground rhizomes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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