Lathyrus pratensis - Meadow Vetchling

Family:	Leguminosae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Siberia and the Himalayas.

Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 4.
Meadow Vetchling will flower in November to February. the seeds ripen from January to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

Meadow Vetchling will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Meadow Vetchling prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Meadow Vetchling should not be planted in shady areas.

Grassland, scrub and hedgerows, avoiding acid soils[17, 50].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Suits a meadow
• Will grow in a hedge row
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. Succeeds on wet soils. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The seeds are used as a resolvent in Spain[240].

• Resolvent - Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[200]. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[200].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.

Other Uses

The plant is said to repel mice.

• Repellent - Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

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