Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) is sometimes known as Meadow Pea or Meadow Pea-Vine and is a member of the Pea Family.
Meadow Vetchling can reach a height of 60 cm, but the stem is limp, bristly / hairy and known as a climbing plant.
The flower is typically yellow in colour and around 10 – 16 mm long, with 5 petals. The plant spreads widely through the ground with its runner like roots. Although not many of the flowers produce pods for the seeds, the seeds are prone to being destroyed by insects. It uses tendrils to climb on the other plants around it to become more visable.
Meadow Vetchling is often confused with Bird’s Food Trefoil, the only real difference between the two is that Meadow Vetchling uses the other plants to climb where as Bird’s Foot Trefoil does not. Meadow Vetchling is identified by its pea like yellow flowers and the leaves, of which are narrow and consist of pairs, with arrow shaped stipules.
Height: 50 -100cm
Flowering Time: May to August
Preferred Conditions: This wildflower likes to grow in moderately fertile soil and can be found in meadows, hedges and lightly grazed pastures.
Phoenix Wildflower Mixes containing Meadow Vetchling:
BFS1 – Traditional Hay Meadow Wildflower Mix
A seed mix suited for low fertility, relatively neutral, free draining soils that dry out in the summer.
BFS1(F) – Traditional Hay Meadow 100% Wildflower Mix
A 100% wildflower mix, made up of the wildflowers in BFS1 Traditional Hay Meadow Wildflower Mix. Suited for low fertility, free draining soils that dry out in summer.
BFS 3 – Floodplain Meadow Grass & Wildflower Seed Mix
A seed mix suited for lowland seasonally flooded areas of low to moderate fertility.
BFS 3(F) – Floodplain Meadow 100% Wildflower Seed Mix
A 100% wildflower mix, made up of the wildflowers in BFS3 Floodplain Meadow Mix. Suited for lowland seasonally flooded areas of low to moderate fertility.