Lathyrus alatus

Lathyrus alatus, commonly known as the winged pea, is a perennial vine and herb native to regions such as Amur, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, Primorye, and Albania. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, preferring a pH of 7–7.5. Its edible parts include leaves and seeds, making it valuable for culinary use. The distinctive winged pods help disperse the seeds, adding an ornamental value to gardens while providing food sources. This leguminous plant can grow up to 0.6 meters in height and is a nitrogen fixer, contributing to soil fertility. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in its native range. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining but retains moisture; it can tolerate various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Propagate through seed or division in spring. Harvest leaves and seeds for edible use with caution, as some parts of the plant may contain toxic compounds that could cause health issues if consumed improperly.