Lathyrus pratensis
{{Short description|Species of legume}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Speciesbox
|name = Meadow vetchling
|image = (MHNT) Lathyrus pratensis- Habit.jpg
|genus = Lathyrus
|species = pratensis
|authority = L.
}}
Lathyrus pratensis or meadow vetchling,{{BSBI 2007 |accessdate=2014-10-17 }} yellow pea,{{cite book|last=Stokoe|first=W.J.|title=The Observer's Book of Wild Flowers|publisher=Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.|edition=1965|page=87}} meadow pea{{GRIN | accessdate=3 June 2015}} 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).Clarke, S. A.; Green, D. G.; Joy, J.; Wollen, K.; Butler, I. (2011-04-01). [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10841-010-9300-8 "Leptidea sinapis (Wood White butterfly) egg-laying habitat and adult dispersal studies in Herefordshire"]. Journal of Insect Conservation. 15 (1-2): 23–35. doi:[https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10841-010-9300-8 10.1007/s10841-010-9300-8]. ISSN [https://www.worldcat.org/issn/1366-638X 1366-638X].
Description
Meadow vetchling is a perennial plant with a limp, unwinged stem that grows to {{convert|25|to|60|cm|0|abbr=on}} and is erect and hairy. The leaves are alternate with short stalks and large stipules. The leaf blades are pinnate with a single pair of broad lanceolate leaflets with blunt tips, entire margins and a terminal unbranched tendril. The inflorescence has a long stem and a cluster of five to twelve yellow flowers, each {{convert|10|to|16|mm|1|abbr=on}} long. These have five sepals and five petals and are irregular. The uppermost petal is known as the "standard", the lateral two as the "wings" and the lowest two are joined to form the "keel". There are ten stamens and a single carpel. The fruit is a long black pod. This plant flowers from June to August.{{cite web |url=http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/meadow-vetchling |title=Meadow vetchling: Lathyrus pratentensis |publisher=NatureGate |access-date=2013-12-31}}
(MHNT) Lathyrus pratensis - Inflorescence.jpg| Inflorescence
Lathyrus pratensis flowers - Keila.jpg|A close-up of the flowers
20130525Lathyrus latifolius5.jpg|Vigorous green growth
Lathyrus pratensis IP0706078.JPG|Young fruit
Lapr 002 shp (Lathyrus prantensis seeds).jpg|Seeds
Distribution and habitat
Meadow vetchling is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world.{{citation |url=http://www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb?genus=Lathyrus&species=pratensis |title=ILDIS: International Legume Database and Information System |access-date=3 June 2015}} In the United States, this plant is found primarily in the northwestern states of Oregon and Alaska. Its typical habitat is rough grassy places, broad-leaved woodland, forest margins, hedgerows and banks where it uses its tendrils to clamber over other vegetation.
==References==
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External links
- {{Commons category-inline|Lathyrus pratensis}}
- [https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lathyrus+pratensis Plants For A Future: Lathyrus pratensis]
- [http://www.floralimages.co.uk/plathyprate.htm More photos]
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