The grass like leaves of this plant are so similar to the grasses surrounding it that you would have no chance of finding it without flowers in bloom. Even when you find the flowers it is difficult to pick out the rest of the plant from its surroundings.

Lathyrus nissolia is mostly a central and southern English plant. The records thin dramatically as you go north and there is very little to be found in Scotland and none in Ireland. In Wales it is found nearer the coast.

Grassy verge near Ashton's Flash, Northwich 17th June 2005

Added on 17th June 2005, updated 24th March 2010, updated 18th Nov 2014