Lathyrus nissolia aka Grass Vetchling

Taxonomy

Lathyrus nissolia, also known as grass vetchling or grass pea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to various regions including Europe, Maghreb, Levant, and the Caucasus. The plant produces crimson-pink flowers on long stalks from May to July, making it a striking annual member of the pea family. Grass vetchling can be grown amongst meadow plants such as Red Clover, Oxeye daisies, and Tufted vetch, and also grasses. Its narrow leaves allow it to blend in with other plants when not in flower. The plant can reach up to 90cm in height and is native to open and often disturbed grasslands, especially those with chalk and chalky clay soils. It can be found in habitats such as grassy banks, roadside verges, woodland rides, and coastal grasslands. Grass vetchling grows sparingly through ungrazed grass and as weeds on roadside banks, but it is absent from adjacent stocked pastures. It establishes quickly in highly disturbed natural ecosystems or in overgrazed pastures/poorly growing or patchy crops. However, it may be poisonous, so care must be taken when handling it. The most effective way to remove sweet pea weeds is with chemical herbicides containing glyphosate, which can kill desirable plants as well as weeds. Grass Pea is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. It thrives in direct light and should be less than 1 foot away from a window. A gentle, organic fertilizer may be used throughout the peak growing season.

Common names

Grass Vetchling, Grass Pea, Grass Leaved Vetchling

How to care for Grass Vetchling

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Grass Vetchling, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Grass Vetchling should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Grass Vetchling loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Grass Vetchling requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Grass Pea is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia