Pisum arvense Linnaeus; P. sativum subsp. arvense (Lin­naeus) Ascherson & Graebner; P. sativum var. arvense (Lin­naeus) Poiret.

Herbs annual, 0.5-2 m tall, glabrous. Stem climbing. Leaves: stipules to 10 × 6 cm, margin toothed; leaflets ovate, 2-7 × 1-4 cm. Raceme 1-3-flowered. Corolla variable in color, usually white and/or purple, 15-35 mm. Ovary glabrous; style flat. Legume 2.5-12 × 1-2.5 cm. Seeds 2-10. Fl. Feb-Sep, fr. Feb-Sep. 2n = 14.

The seeds (peas) are edible, as are the young legumes of some cul­tivars (snow pea, mange-tout).

Cultivated, sometimes persisting as a relic or escape from cultiva­tion; sea level to 3800 m. Throughout China [cultivated in temperate regions worldwide; of cultivated origin].