Family: Fabaceae  Genus: Lathyrus  

Species: Lathyrus pratensis L.

Common Name(s): meadow vetchling, meadow peavine, yellow vetchling; (Spanish) arbelleta, arveja de campo, arvejana

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Lathyrus pratensis, commonly known as meadow vetchling, is a member of the pea and clover family (legumes) and is native to Europe and Asia. It thrives in diverse habitats such as grassy areas, woodlands, forest edges, and hedgerows, using its tendrils to climb over surrounding vegetation.260 As a perennial plant, it propagates over numerous years, gradually spreading from its point of origin. Its flowers, usually vivid yellow, occasionally exhibit shades of orange forming clusters on stems.261

Etymology

Lathyrus comes from the Greek word “lathyros” where the prefix “la” means very, and the suffix “thyros” means passionate. Pratensis comes from Latin meaning from meadows.

Traditional Medicine

A decoction of meadow vetchling mixed with honey served multiple traditional medicinal purposes, including intestinal cleansing, menstrual induction, and enhancing milk production. In central Asia, a Lathyrus fruit decoction is used for liver and kidney issues, while in Spain, the seeds are employed as a resolving agent for inflammation and swelling.262, 263

Gastronomy

The young shoots of the plant are edible boiled. The seeds have also been used as a coffee substitute, and added to flour to increase the protein content and the digestibility of bakery and pasta products.264

Ecology

As a member of the legume family, meadow vetchling plays a crucial role in ecosystem health by fixing nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules, and by providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, including insects and birds. Its presence can indicate the health of ecosystems, as it is sensitive to changes in habitat conditions.265

Notes on Toxicity

Watch out for the “Lathyrism Shuffle” — Lathyrus pratensis contains neurotoxic amino acids which, in significant doses, can induce a neurological condition called “lathyrism.” The symptoms of lathyrism may include weakness, impaired mobility, and occasionally, an odd, spastic gait reminiscent of a dance. Fortunately, Lathyrus pratensis is not typically associated with high levels of neurotoxic amino acids, which are found in certain other species within the Lathyrus genus, such as Lathyrus sativus (grass pea).266