Austrian Winter Peas are a low-growing, viny legume, hollow, slender and succulent stems, 2 to 4 feet long. The foliage is pale green, and the flowers are colored, usually purple, pink or reddish. They supply a protein rich and highly palatable food source much favored by deer and other wildlife species. With crude protein levels approaching 25% or higher. Austrian winter peas are a highly attractive and nutritious food source for deer from late fall into spring. As a legume, it can fix up to 200 lbs. nitrogen per acre providing ample quantities needed for its own growth while sharing some with companion forages. Recommended 30 to 40 lbs. per acre.
Pollination occurs by insect, bird, wind, humans, or other natural mechanisms. Because there are no restrictions on the flow of pollen between individuals, open-pollinated plants are more genetically diverse. However, as long as pollen is not shared between different varieties within the same species, then the seed produced will remain true-to-type year after year.
* This is an estimated guide. Conditions may vary considerably due to location.