Vicia ervilia aka Bitter Vetch

Vicia ervilia is a short-lived plant in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its common names include bitter vetch and bitter black vetch. Kew places its native range from southeast France to Central Asia and Afghanistan. It links the species with a subtropical climate. The RHS records it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. Plants For A Future lists disturbed ground as its habitat.

Plants For A Future describes an annual reaching about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Kew allows for both annual and biennial growth. This means its life cycle may span one or two years. It suits cultivated beds where the soil drains well. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is also self-fertile. The supplied species records give no flower colour or flowering season.

Grow bitter vetch in sun where soil stays moist through growth. Plants For A Future suggests partial shade where that moisture cannot be maintained. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay, provided excess water can drain away. Suitable soil reactions range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Moist soil is its stated preference, rather than wet ground. The evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. For propagation, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Then sow them where they will grow, in spring or autumn.

Bitter vetch forms a partnership with soil bacteria that fix nitrogen. These bacteria live in nodules on its roots. The plant uses some of the nitrogen they capture. Nearby plants may also benefit from this supply. Plants For A Future advises leaving the roots after removing spent top growth. As those roots decay, they release nitrogen into the soil. This gives the plant a useful role in cultivated beds. The source does not flag it as a weed risk.

Plants For A Future reports seed cultivation in France. People have cooked the seeds for use like lentils, including in soups. Yet the same source cites a report of possible seed poisoning. Its food-use rating is therefore low, at one out of five. Reported food use should not be read as proof of safety. The source lists no known medicinal uses. It also gives no species-specific account of pests or diseases.