Bitter-vetch
Bitter-vetch - Lathyrus linifolius
Alternative names
Bitter Vetch
Description
Short to medium erect, hairless plant with winged stems It has two to four pairs of leaflets. The leaves are linear to elliptical and ending in a point, not a tendril. The flowers are rich crimson-pink, turning bluish and then pale, 10 to 16 mm in long racemes. Pods reddish brown.
Similar Species
Common Vetch and Bush Vetch have similar flowers
Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
Stems winged, no tendrils, 2-4 pairs of leaflets
Recording advice
a photo of the whole plant, showing leaves and stem (RPR)
Habitat
Found around woodland edge and in damp grassland.
When to see it
May to October.
Life History
Perennial.
VC55 Status
Nearly scarce and declining in Leicestershire and Rutland.
| It is listed on the current VC55 Rare Plant Register (Hall and Woodward 2022) because of its threat-level |
David Nicholls
Benscliffe Farm
09 June 2020
David Nicholls
Lea Meadows NR
15 May 2023
David Nicholls
Ulverscroft
18 May 2012
David Nicholls
Ulverscroft
18 May 2012
David Nicholls
Benscliffe Farm
09 June 2020
Melinda Bell
Heather, School Lane
05 May 2020
point on leaf, no tendril
Melinda Bell
Heather, School Lane
05 May 2020
stipule
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