Lathyrus davidii
Hance.
(c) onidiras-iNaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by onidiras-iNaturalist
(c) Repina Tatyana, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Repina Tatyana
What to Eat
Edible parts: Flowers, Leaves, Seed, Seedpod
Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpod - cooked. Young plant, including the inflorescence - cooked and used as a potherb or added to soups etc.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
E. Asia - northern China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia.
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaido, Kyushu, n. & c. Honshu)
How to Identify
Lathyrus davidii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.
