Fabaceae; native to southern Europe and Asia.

Germination: Best sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and in a warm soil. Seeds can also be sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70°. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 10-15 days. Seeds for sprouting are found in health food stores. They should germinate in 2 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Site in full sun in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Grow in cool-sum mered climates as it needs 70-75° to grow its best. Avoid cold, wet soils as this will cause root rot. Keep well weeded and protect them from rabbits and deer.

Appearance and Use: Grown as an herbal flavoring and a medicinal plant in folk cures, it reaches 2 feet tall. The small leaves almost hide the pale pink flowers that are followed by long, narrow, pods. The pods contain kidney-shaped seeds that are the source of flavoring. Grind them to add to curry powders or as a substitute for maple flavoring. This maple-like flavoring is used to bake cookies and in Idaho it is made into thick syrup to dress pancakes. The pseudo-maple taste is hard to tell from that of the original Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum. The crushed leaves have some of the
aroma of the seeds, but are not used in cooking. The leaves and seeds are both used for medicinal purposes.