Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia)



This is another of the nations rare flowers that can be found here in Dorset. Grass Vetchling is found on rough pasture by the sea along the coast from Devon to Lincolnshire and Dorset, especially Durlston CP is one of the best places to see it.

The plant of Grass Vetchling is almost indistinguishable from common grass varieties until its perfect, small, pea shaped flowers emerge for a short time in June and July. It is this resemblance to a grass that gives it its name, Grass Vetchling.

There are a couple of other places in Purbeck where they occur, on the cliffs around Kimmeridge Bay is one. I am not sure if it occurs outside Purbeck but would not be surprised to find it on Portland.

A lovely little gem, hard to find but well worth the effort.

Comments