Meadow vetchling

Scientific name: Lathyrus pratensis

A scrambling plant, Meadow vetchling has yellow flowers. It is a member of the pea family and can be seen on rough grassland, waste ground and roadside verges.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 50cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

May to August

About

Meadow vetchling is a member of the pea and clover family (legumes) that 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.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

Meadow vetchling is also known as 'Meadow Pea' and 'Fingers-and-thumbs' and makes a good addition to a wildflower garden.

How people can help

Although they might not look especially wildlife-friendly, our roadside verges, railway cuttings and waste grounds can provide valuable habitats for all kinds of plants and animals. The Wildlife Trusts are involved in many projects to make these places as beneficial for wildlife as possible. We have a vision of a Living Landscape: a network of habitats stretching across town and country that allow wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.