View source for Lathyrus pratensis

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Meadow vetchling
| image = Meadow vetchling 800.jpg
| image_width = 220px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Fabales]]
| familia = [[Fabaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Faboideae]]
| tribus = [[Vicieae]]
| genus = ''[[Lathyrus]]''
| species = '''''L. pratensis'''''
| binomial = ''Lathyrus pratensis''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''''Lathyrus pratensis''''' or '''Meadow vetchling''', also known as the Meadow Pea and Meadow pea-vine, is a perennial [[legume]] that grows to 1.2 m in height.

The Meadow vetchling is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The hermaphrodite [[flower]]s are [[Pollination|pollinated]] by [[bee]]s.  As a [[Perennial plant|perennial]], this plant reproduces itself over many years, spreading out from the point it was introduced, especially in damp grassy areas.  This plant has been propagated in the past as animal fodder. 

The Meadow vetchling is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world.  In the United States, this plant is found primarily in the northeast states, Oregon, and Alaska. 

== See also == 
* Genus ''[[Lathyrus]]'' for related species. 

[[Image:Meadow vetchling close 800.jpg|thumb|150px|left|A close-up of the flowers of Meadow Vetchling]] 

== External links ==
* [http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Lathyrus+pratensis Plants For A Future: ''Lathyrus pratensis''] 
* [http://www.floralimages.co.uk/plathyprate.htm  More photos] 

[[Category:Faboideae]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Flora of Estonia]]
[[Category:Flora of the United Kingdom]]

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