Lathyrus aphaca is a legume known as the yellow pea or yellow vetchling. It is native to southern Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Some consider it to be a weed, particularly when in areas where it is an introduced species, including northern Europe and North America. It acclimates best to dry places, such as sand, gravel, and chalk, and requires a well-drained habitat. It is an annual herb producing yellow pea flowers just over a centimeter wide.