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meadow pea
ExplorePlants
meadow pea
Lathyrus pratensis
Meadow peas are lovely plants that grow in fields and meadows. They have pretty flowers that can be purple or yellow and are great for attracting bees and butterflies!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The meadow pea is a slender plant with bright yellow, pea-like flowers growing in clusters. It has narrow, pointed leaves and curly tendrils that help it climb, making it stand out in grassy areas. The sunny yellow blooms often deepen in color as they mature.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLathyrus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its bright yellow flowers are often a sunny beacon in grassy fields!
Many animals munch on meadow pea, making it an important snack in nature!
Meadow pea belongs to the same plant family as lentils and chickpeas!
The little seeds grow inside flat, green pods that look like tiny swords!
Special abilities
Ability
Climbing Champion
Meadow pea has special tendrils that act like tiny grappling hooks, helping it climb up other plants to reach sunlight.
Ability
Soil Superhero
Meadow pea can enrich the soil with nutrients thanks to tiny helpers in its roots, making the ground healthier for itself and other plants.
Ability
Underground Explorer
Meadow pea has underground stems called rhizomes that help it spread out and create new plants, covering more ground efficiently.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-120 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to late summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
one of its key insect pollinators
eaten by
Domestic sheep
Ovis aries
grazing animals browse its leaves and stems
eaten by
Field vole
Microtus agrestis
voles nibble on its leaves and shoots
Traits
Climbing/Vine
Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Nitrogen Fixing
Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is meadow pea?
30-120 cm
How wide does meadow pea spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on meadow pea?
1-1.5 cm
When does meadow pea bloom?
Late spring to late summer
Is meadow pea edible?
Yes
Is meadow pea toxic?
None
What is meadow pea's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is meadow pea pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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