Pisum sativum subsp. arvense Also called: Austrian winter peas
(black peas), Canadian field peas (spring peas) Type: summer
annual and winter annual legume Roles: plow-down N source, weed
suppressor, forage Mix with: strong-stemmed wheat, rye,
triticale or barley for vertical support See charts, pp. 66 to
72, for ranking and management summary. High N-fixers, field
peas produce abundant vining forage and contribute to short-term
soil conditioning. Succulent stems break down easily and are a
quick source of available N (361). Field peas grow rapidly in
the cool, moist weather they encounter as winter annuals in the
South and in parts of Idaho, and as early-sown summer annuals in
the Northeast, North Central and Northern Plains areas. Harvest
options as high-quality forage and seed increase their value.
Winter-hardy types of field peas, especially Austrian winter
peas, can withstand temperatures as low as 10° F with only minor
injury, but they don’t overwinter consistently in areas colder
than moderate Hardines