Lotus tetragonolobus aka Asparagus Pea

Lotus tetragonolobus is an annual in the pea family, Fabaceae. Gardeners know it as asparagus pea, winged pea, or winged lotus. It comes from the Mediterranean region and grows in subtropical climates. Its reported range spans southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in worked ground and vineyards, as well as garden beds.

This small plant reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its spread is also about 1 foot (0.3 metres). It flowers from June to August. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects provide pollination. Seeds ripen from September to October. Gardeners grow it for food and as an ornamental annual. Its modest size suits cultivated beds where space is limited.

Give it full sun and soil that drains well. It does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Rich, light soil is its preferred growing medium. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. It can grow in either dry or moist ground. Root nodules hold bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air. The plant uses some of this nitrogen; nearby plants may benefit too. Leaving roots to decay after the season returns nitrogen to the soil.

The young pods can be eaten raw or cooked. Pick them before they reach about one inch long. Older pods soon become tough and fibrous. Add tender pods to salads, soups, or stews. They also serve as a cooked vegetable. Their flavour has been compared with asparagus, though yields are low. Cooked seeds can be used much like peas. Roasted seeds also serve as a coffee substitute. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for pets.

Start plants from seed in spring, sowing where they will grow. Soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours first. At 59°F, germination takes about two to four weeks. Seed can also be started in a cold frame. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy.