Hi Chaps,

does anyone know if black pea, (Lathyrus niger) is edible?
I thought it was vetch growing in my garden, the leaves are identical, but the pods are shrivelled and black, the plant only appears in an old wild flower book I have, and claims the black pea is very rare and more at home in Scottish mountain valleys than in deepest darkest Somerset where we live! I am almost certain this it what it is.

Paula x

Blimey Paula! you know how to pick em!! Ive never even heard of it

So, sorry cant help you on that one

Lathyrus niger is related to the Sweet Pea. The seed is most certainly toxic and the leaf may be. I would be careful of this plant.

Thanks for trying chaps!
I wont be offering it to the little shelled ones... They had been given a little some weeks ago as I was convinced it was vetch, now I feel a bad mum, but so far, touch wood, everyone seems fine.
Plenty of others around at the moment to choose from!

Paula x