"Pisum sativum arvense" is the botanical name for a plant species commonly known as the field pea or the Austrian winter pea. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, and is a subspecies or variety of the garden pea, Pisum sativum.
Field peas are annual, herbaceous plants that typically reach a height of around two to three feet. They have slender, vining stems with compound leaves that are divided into two or three pairs of leaflets. The plant produces delicate, fragrant flowers that can be white, pink, or purple, and these flowers give way to pod-like fruit containing round, edible seeds.
Field peas are widely cultivated for various purposes. They are often grown as a cover crop or green manure, benefiting the soil by fixing nitrogen and suppressing weed growth. As a legume, they have the unique ability to form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which draw atmospheric nitrogen into the soil.
In addition to their role as a cover crop, field peas are also cultivated for human consumption. The seeds are harvested when mature and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including soups, stews, salads, and side dishes. They are valued for their high protein content, as well as their nutritional profile, which includes dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Overall, "Pisum sativum arvense" refers to a subspecies of the garden pea that is specifically grown as a field crop or forage.
