Grass vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia, Sp. Pl.: 729 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 729 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Medit. and Iran, NW. Africa

Description

Grass vetchling, scientifically known as Lathyrus nissolia, belongs to the Fabaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this species has since drawn the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its distinctive characteristics and widespread distribution.

Native to regions spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, and Iran, Grass vetchling has also been observed in Northwestern Africa. This adaptable plant usually thrives in meadows, grasslands, and road verges, often favoring environments that offer a balance of moisture and exposure to sunlight.

The plant is easily recognizable with its delicate, grass-like leaves and small, vibrant flowers, which are typically a striking shade of pink or reddish-purple. Unlike many others in the pea family, the leaves of Lathyrus nissolia do not possess tendrils. Instead, they mimic the appearance of grass blades, a unique adaptation that has contributed to its common name.

Flowering typically occurs from late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to the habitats it occupies. The flowers are not just visually appealing; they also attract various pollinators, thus playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Apart from its ecological importance, Grass vetchling has been the subject of various studies focusing on its potential uses in agriculture and horticulture. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it shares the characteristic trait of nitrogen-fixing with other legumes, making it a valuable species for soil health and fertility improvement.

In summary, Grass vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) stands out for its unique grass-like foliage, beautiful flowers, and significant ecological contributions. Its broad geographical distribution highlights its adaptability and resilience, marking it as an intriguing subject for further botanical research and study.

Common Names

Deu: gras-platterbse, grasplatterbse, gras platterbse
Eng: grass pea, grass vetchling
Pol: groszek liściakowy
Dan: græsbladet fladbælg
Fra: gesse de nissole, gesse nissole, gesse sans vrilles
Nld: graslathyrus
Swe: gräsvial
Cat: tapissot de nissol
Ita: cicerchia semplice
Cym: ytbysen feinddail, ytbysen goch
En: Grass vetchling, Grass pea, Grass-leaved Vetchling
Ar: جلبان نيسولي
Ca: Tapissot de Nissol
Cs: Hrachor trávolistý
Da: Græsbladet fladbælg
Nl: Graslathyrus
Fi: Heinänätkelmä
Fr: Gesse de nissole, Gesse Nissole, Gesse sans Vrilles, Gesse sans vrille
De: Gras-Platterbse, Grasplatterbse, Gras Platterbse
He: טופח עדין
Hu: Kacstalan lednek
It: Cicerchia, Cicerchia Semplice
Ml: ലാത്വൈറസ് നിസോളിയ
Pl: Groszek liściakowy
Es: Alverja nisolia
Sv: Gräsvial
Uk: Чина злаколиста
Cy: Ytbysen feinddail, Ytbysen Goch

Synonyms

• Pisum nissolia ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Orobus nissolia ((L.) Döll)
• Anurus nissolia ((L.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ori Fragman-Sapir (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by William Coles (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by lali52 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2020 by Lopez Pilar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Rinusz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by marlito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Rinusz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Daniel Daniel Ouvrard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Szilard Mozsonyi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356542)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501889-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus nissolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6