Lathyrus linifolius montanus - (Bernh.)Bässler.
(Bernh.)Bässler.
Bitter Vetch
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Günther Nowotny
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Günther Nowotny
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Wouter Pereboom
Description
Lathyrus linifolius montanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Seed - cooked. Used as a vegetable, they are served in the same manner as sweet chestnuts. Some caution is advised in the use of this seed, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Boiled or roasted, they have a sweet flavour and are very nutritious.
Known Hazards
The seed contains a toxic amino-acid which, in large quantities, can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'. The seed is said to be perfectly safe and very nutritious in small quantities, but should not comprise more than 30% of the diet.
Distribution
Most of Europe, including Britain, but absent in far north and rare in southeast.
Where It Grows
EUROPE: Albania, Austria, Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse (Corsica, an island in France), Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (United Kingdom (U.K.)), Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo,
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun. Formerly cultivated for its edible seed. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Growth habit is a single or multiple shooting vine from a crown. Herbaceous.
Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.
Other Uses
Nitrogen fixer.
