Fabaceae - wild flowers of the Pea family
Here are just a few examples of wildflowers from the vast (with approximately 19,000 species worldwide) range contained in the Pea family, Fabaceae, some of which have been cultivated to produce pea and bean food crops.
These thumbnail pictures have links to larger photographs and information about each of the species, their habitat needs and an identification guide.
We have used the scientific names to identify species in this table, but if you prefer to use common names we have also listed all species covered on the First Nature website in alphabetical order of Common Names...
There is also the option to see all species listed in order of Scientific Names or Botanical Families or Dominant Colour.
The Pea family is very well represented throughout the UK and Europe - they are particularly plentiful in the Mediterranean region. The flowers have five petals, two of which are joined at the keel; another common characteristic is the elongated seed pods of flowers of this family.
Below: Vicia benghalensis - one of the colourful members of the Fabaceae family found in the Mediterranean region.
The Fabacea (formerly known as Leguminoseae) include various vetches, clovers and medicks; bushes such as gorse and broom; as well as Laburnum, an introduced (to Britain) deciduous tree. Most members of this plant family bloom in summer.
Introduction to wild flower families...