Vicia pisiformis aka Pea Vetch

Vicia pisiformis belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is a perennial, so it lives more than two years. Its common names include pea vetch and pale-flower vetch. It is native to Europe, western Siberia and the Caucasus. It grows in temperate regions, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. Records place it in southern Norway, Sweden, France and Italy. They also cover much of central and eastern Europe. In the wild, it grows in forests, most with broad-leaved trees.

This plant can reach about 6 feet [1.8 metres] tall. The supplied species records give no width for a full-grown plant. They give no full account of its leaves. Nor do they state flower colour, fruit form or bloom season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen to the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile: it can use its own pollen. These traits let it set seed without a separate male or female plant.

Grow pea vetch in soil that drains well but stays moist. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Sun suits it if the soil stays moist through the growing season. Part shade is best where the soil may dry out. Suggested garden sites include woodland edges and spots with dappled shade. The evidence gives no hardiness zone. Nor does it state the lowest winter heat level it can bear.

Bacteria live in small root growths called nodules. They take nitrogen from the air. The plant uses some of this nitrogen to grow. Plants near it may gain some, too. This gives pea vetch a role in woodland planting. Records note that people grow it in France, but do not say why. To raise plants, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Sow them where they will grow, in spring or autumn.

Plants For A Future lists leaves and seeds as edible parts. Its notes say to cook seeds like lentils or use them as a vegetable. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. The source reports no known hazards. This does not prove that every use is safe. It lists no known uses as medicine or for other needs. It does not flag a risk of becoming a weed. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases that cause problems.