Lathyrus nissolia aka Grass Pea

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.