Lens ervoides
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Lens ervoides is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Fields and rocky places.
Europe - Mediterranean to West Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors when treated as a spring-sown annual. The plant is likely to require a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water then sow late April in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist