Vicia lutea L.

Tufted or scrambling, prostrate annual; stem ± glabrous. Lvs sparsely hairy; tendrils simple or branched; leaflets in (3)-4-7-(8) pairs, sometimes alternate, elliptic-oblong, 3-20 mm long; stipules entire or with 1-3, adaxial, basal lobes. Infl. much < lvs, 1-(2)-flowered. Peduncle much < fls. Pedicel 1-2 mm long. Calyx somewhat gibbous at base; calyx teeth unequal; lower teeth ± = tube; upper teeth much < tube. Corolla pale yellow, sometimes tinged purple, 15-30 mm long; limb of standard ± = claw. Pod moderately hairy, brown to black, 3-6-seeded, 25-40 mm long; seeds light brown with dark brown and black blotches; hilum ?-1/4 of circumference.

Cliffs and shingle near the sea. Disturbed and agricultural land, and open woodland; at elevations up to 2,180 metres.

The unripe seeds are eaten as a snack. The ripe seeds are milled and mixed with wheat flour to make bread.

Can be grown by seedlings. Seeds needs soaking.