Whippoorwill Southern Pea

Brought to the Americas from Africa during the slave trade and grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Whippoorwill was once the standard variety for southern peas. It is drought-tolerant and grows in almost all soils, with vigorous 5-foot vines producing extended harvests of 7 to 9 inch green pods. The small seeds are light brown with dark speckles and are excellent eaten green or dried.