LEGUMES FOR FORAGE AND GRAIN 



317 



Canada is its native home, but because it first came into 

 general use there and from there was introduced into the 

 United States. 



322. Description. — The field pea, Pisum sativum, is 

 a summer annual, with hollow, sparingly branched stems, 

 which grow from 2 to 5 feet in height. The plants in the 

 early stages of growth are erect, but later become decum- 

 bent unless supported. 

 The leaves are large, 

 from 5 to 7 inches long, 

 and carried in pairs. 

 Large, leafy stipules 

 develop at the base of 

 the leaves, and the 

 midrib terminates in a 

 tendril, which gives the 

 plant somewhat of a 

 climbing habit. The 

 flowers, which are large 

 and usually white or 

 purple in color, are 

 borne on short flower 

 stalks arising from the 

 axils of the leaves. The pods, which are flat and from 2 

 to 4 inches long, contain several seeds, which, when ma- 

 ture, are usually green in color. The leaves, stem, and 

 pods are smooth, and when green are very succulent and 

 are relished by all kinds of live stock. 



323. Distribution and adaptation. — Field peas are 

 adapted to a cool, moist climate, and make their best 

 growth during the early part of the growing season. 

 They may be grown far up in Canada, and are especially 

 adapted to southern Canada and the Northern States 



Fig. 117. — Canada field peas. 



