Serradella (Ornithopus sativus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ornithopus sativus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Along the sides of roads and as a weed of cultivated ground. Naturalized on china clay waste in south-eastern Cornwall. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)