Chickling Pea (Lathyrus sativus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Lathyrus sativus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The immature seed can be eaten like green peas. The mature seed is eaten cooked. It needs to be soaked and well cooked before being eaten. — The immature seed can be eaten like green peas.; The mature seed is eaten cooked.; It needs to be soaked and well cooked before being eaten.; The seed can also be ground into a powder and mixed with wheat in a ratio of one part vetch to 3 parts of wheat flour to make a protein-enhanced bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Found as a weed of cultivated land though this is as a relict of cultivation, the plant is not known in a truly wild state. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)