What is "field pea"

1. n. seed of the field pea plant

2. variety of pea plant native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and widely grown especially for forage [syn: field-pea plant, Austrian winter pea, Pisum sativum arvense, Pisum arvense]

3. coarse small-seeded pea often used as food when young and tender

The field pea is a type of pea of the species Pisum sativum, sometimes called P. sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Asch. Also known as dun (grey-brown) pea, Kapucijner pea, or Austrian winter pea, field peas are one of the oldest domesticated crops, cultivated for at least 7,000 years. They are now grown in many countries for both human consumption and stockfeed. There are several cultivars and colors including blue, dun (brown), maple and white. The field pea should not be confused with the Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) which is sometimes called the "field pea" in warmer climates.