Scientific Name:
Pisum sativum
Pronunciation:
PEES-um sah-TEE-vum
Common Name:
garden pea
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Plant Type:
Annual (true), Vine or climber
Key ID Features:
Fast growing annual vine; stipules large and leaf-like surround the stem; leaves compound with broadly ovate to elliptical leaflets, entire or less commonly toothed, some leaflets develop into tendrils instead; flowers with large butterfly-like petals; legume containing mostly 6-11 seeds in a row, flattened when young but becoming roundish later.
Habit:
Pendulous
Form:
Climbing
Texture:
Medium
Mature Height:
0.7 - 1.3m
Mature Spread:
0.6 - 1.0m
Growth Rate:
Fast
Origin:
Central / west Asia
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 2: (-46 to -40 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Landscape Uses:
Attract beneficial insects, Urban agriculture
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Compound
Arrangement:
Opposite, Sessile
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible
Surfaces:
Glabrous
Compound Leaf:
Odd-pinnate, Leaflets stalked
Shapes:
Elliptic, Ovate, Reniform
Apices:
Rounded
Bases:
Truncate
Margins:
Entire, Serrate
Inflorescence Type:
Flowers paired
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
5
Corolla Shape:
Bilabiate
Ovary Position:
Superior
Colour (petals):
Showy, White, Violet, Purple, Pink (depends on cultivar; pale yellow to cream-tan also common)
Flower Time at Peak:
Jul, Aug
Additional Info:
solitary
Fruit Type:
Legume
Fruit Colour:
Green, Brown
Fruiting Time:
Aug, Sep
Additional Info:
Not showy
Bark or Stem Colour:
Green
Organ Modifications:
Root nodules (N-fixing), Tendrils, Companion plant: carrot. Avoid planting next to onions and garlic.
Pest Susceptibility:
Mildew, Slugs or snails
Specific Pests:
Rabbit
Course(s):
- not used (on campus)
Location(s):
- (FEA) Field lab Equipment Area
- (PHA) PolyHouse and Area