Article
Article
Pea
Article By:
Morrison, Kenneth J. Cooperative Extension Service, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
Beachell, William A. Consumer and Marketing Service, Portland, Oregon.
Hagedorn, D. J. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Last reviewed:January 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.492900
An annual leafy leguminous vine, Pisum sativum (order Fabales), cultivated for its smooth or wrinkled, round edible seeds, which are borne in dehiscent pods. The garden pea (Fig. 1) is one of the world's oldest cultivated crops. It is a native of western Asia, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea to the Himalayas. The pea appears to have been carried to Europe during the time of the lake dwellers of the prehistoric period. The crop was also transported from Persia and introduced into China in about the year 400. The pea was introduced into the United States in very early Colonial days. See also: Domestication; Fabales; Horticultural crops; Legume
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