Lathyrus pratensis

RHS Plant Profile
meadow vetchling

Other common names

angle berries, common vetchling, lady's fingers, meadow pea, yellow vetchling, ytbysen y ddôl

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A scrambling perennial with angled stems up to about 1.2m tall, producing pairs of narrow bright green leaflets, tendrils, and long spikes of 5-12 pea-like yellow flowers, from May to August followed by black seed pods

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe Africa Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile grassland, meadows, verges and hedge rows

Propagation

Sow seed in autumn for best results but once established spreads by underground rhizomes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free