Meadow Vetchling

Scientific Name: 
Lathyrus pratensis

Meadow Vetchling is a member of the pea and clover family (legumes) which can be found scrambling and climbing through grassy areas including rough grassland, roadside verges and waste ground. Groups of four to twelve yellow flowers appear between May and August attracting bees and wasps.

How to identify: 
Meadow Vetchling is a scrambling plant with long stems that end with a group of yellow, pea-like flowers. The flowers are followed by shiny, black seed pods that look like peapods. Its leaves comprise a single pair of leaflets that have tendrils.
Where to find it: 
Widespread.
How people can help: 

Although they sometimes don't look especially wildlife-friendly, our roadside verges and waste grounds can provide valuable habitats for all kinds of plants and animals. The Wildlife Trusts get involved in different projects to help make these places as beneficial for wildlife as possible. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Height: up to 50cm
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
Meadow Vetchling is also known as 'Meadow Pea' and 'Fingers-and-thumbs' and makes a good addition to a wildflower garden.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
When to see
Start date: 
May
End date: 
August
Image: 
Meadow Vetchling