What is the difference between field peas and blackeyed peas?

Field Peas

- Scientific name: Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata

- Also known as cowpeas, crowder peas, or southern peas

- Origin: West Africa

- Growth habit: Bushy or vining plants

- Pod color: Green, tan, or purple

- Seed color: Solid purple

Blackeyed Peas are a variety of field peas grown primarily for dry seed production.

- Eye pattern (black or brown spot) around hilum

- Blackeyed peas (Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata) are a specific cultivar group characterized by:

- Large (7 mm wide), thick round to square, cream to beige seed coat with a characteristic round hilum circled black to light brown seed marking or "eye".