Common Vetch Vicia sativa
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- VIK-ee-uh sa-TEE-vuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Vetch is a weedy, annual winter wildflower in the bean family. It is commonly used as a cover crop because it can fix nitrogen in the soil. This semi-erect climbing plant, uses adjacent vegetation for support.
Its natural habitats include cropland, fallow fields, weedy meadows, roadsides, along railroads and other waste areas. It is occasionally planted as a food source for farm animals including cattle, horses, and sheep. Wild animals that feed on the foliage include deer, rabbits, several varieties of caterpillars and butterflies, as well as some game birds. When planted as a forage plant for animals, it is beneficial to have adjacent companion plants for support of this climbing vine-like plant. Without support, it can be subject to rot as it spreads along the ground.
It is also grown as a cover crop in vineyards and orchards to assist in the suppression of spring weeds.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Its aggressive self seeding can cause this weedy plant to spread quickly.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Vicia
- Species:
- sativa
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe, Asia, North Africa
- Fire Risk Rating:
- medium flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Cross-pollinated bumblebees and other bees with long tongues. Ants are attracted to the nectar.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Wildlife Food Source
- Climbing Method:
- Tendrils
- Edibility:
- The leaves can be made into teas, cooked or eaten with the young leaves.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Tendrils
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Each somewhat flattened legume contains 4 to 8 seeds. The rounded seeds are dispersed after the pod explosively opens.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Inconspicuous pea-shaped flowers occur in the area between the stems and leaf petioles (leaf axils). They occur in pairs and on flower stalks (peduncles) that range from 2-6 mm in length. The upper petal is broad, flares up and is notched in the center. The two lateral petals are oval shaped and can be a darker color. The flowers are replaced by elongated 1 1/2-3" green, flattened seedpods which later become dark brown containing 4-8 seeds.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Needles
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Linear
- Oblong
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The 3-5" leaves are very narrow. Each is evenly-pinnate and has 5 to 6 pairs of leaflets, leaflets 3/4" long and 1/4" wide. Tendrils form on the ends of the leaves. Long stems arise from fibrous roots, and are purple. The leaves are medium light green on top and pale green on the bottom. They are ribbed and slightly pubescent. along the bottom central vein.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- A single stem
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Winter Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Small Mammals
- Problems:
- Weedy
