Lens culinaris

Stems 2–7 dm. Leaves 5–10 cm; stipules without nectariferous patch; rachis with mucronate tendrils on proximal leaves, well-developed tendrils on distal leaves; leaflet blades ovate to narrowly oblong, 7–15 × 3–6 mm. Racemes erect or lax. Flowers chasmogamous, 10–15 mm; calyx symmetrical, equal; corolla wings and keel often lighter than banner; anthers uniform; ovary glabrous. Legumes not septate, 10–14 × 5–9 mm, margins usually obscure; valves splitting along both margins, twisted after dehiscence. Seeds usually dull brown, black, tan, or dark green, 4–8 mm diam., often mottled. 2n = 14 [extralimital].

Phenology: Flowering May–Jul.
Habitat: introduced also widely in temperate areas..
Elevation: 0–500 m.

B.C., Ont., Que., Sask., Calif., Conn., Idaho, Ill., La., Maine, Md., Mass., N.J., N.Y., Pa., Wash., s Europe, w Asia, n Africa, introduced also widely in temperate areas.

Discussion

Lens culinaris is cultivated for human consumption and is a major farm crop in parts of eastern Washington and adjacent Idaho (V. E. Youngman 1968), as well as in Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food 2006). In some parts of the flora area, the species is observed recurrently but may not persist.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa