Asparagus Pea

(Lotus tetragonolobus); aka Winged Pea; Prostrate bush; Edible pod; Minimum 3.4 cc (>30 seeds) We fell in love with winged beans when we lived in China. Unfortunately, since the Asian winged bean varieties are daylight sensitive, they do not produce well in northern gardens. Seeking a suitable substitute, we happily discovered asparagus peas. A plant that thrives in poor soil, asparagus peas trace their origins to north Africa and Mediterranean Europe. While records suggest they were cultivated in Sicily since the mid-16th century, their introduction to gardeners is credited to English botanist Phillip Miller in 1734.  Unlike climbing winged beans, asparagus peas grow in branches that spread laterally (up to 24 inches) from a central point to form a low-growing canopy that stands about 6 inches tall. Gorgeous red blossoms adorn branch edges in pairs and give way to the unique, frilly-edged, four-lobed edible pods. Highly ornamental, they fit easily into landscaping that prohibits ve