Tuberous bitter vetch
Lathyrus linifolius

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems have wings. The leaves have 2-4 pairs of narrow leaflets. These are 4 cm long and have small points at the end. The flowers are red but turn blue. There are 2-6 flowers together on long stalks. The pods are brown and 25-45 mm long.

There are about 150 Lathyrus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Britain, Europe, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Scandinavia

How it is used for food

The young first year roots can be cooked and eaten.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Roots, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Knollerteknapp

Synonyms

Lathyrus macrorrhizus Wimm.; Lathyrus montanus Bernh.; Orobus tuberosus L.;