Vicia sativa
aka
Common Vetch
Taxonomy
Vicia sativa, also known as common vetch, garden vetch, tare, or simply vetch, is a nitrogen-fixing leguminous plant in the Fabaceae family. It is believed to be native to North Africa, Western Asia, and Europe but has now spread and naturalized in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. While it is considered a weed in cultivated grainfields, this resilient plant is often cultivated as a green manure, livestock fodder, or rotation crop. Australia alone cultivates over 500,000 hectares (1,200,000 acres) of Vicia sativa each year.
This downy, scrambling annual can reach a height of 75cm. Its leaves are composed of pairs of opposite leaflets that end with a tendril. From April to September, it produces cerise flowers in the typical pea shape, either borne singly or in pairs.
Vicia sativa is known for its high nitrogen-fixing ability, especially when the seeds are inoculated with the appropriate rhizobium strain or when it has been previously sown in the field. It can provide nitrogen to companion crops in mixed pastures or to subsequent crops when sown alone. The leaflets of this plant are typically 5-7 mm wide and linear to lance-oblong in shape. Its flowers have a calyx tube of 4.5-5.5 mm and lobes of 3-4.5 mm, while the corolla measures 10-18 mm and can range from pink-purple to white. Its fruit is black, and the seeds are spherical and 2.5-4 mm wide.
Common vetch can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, disturbed areas, grasslands, open areas in oak woodlands, and riparian woodlands. Its elevation range is below 1608 m. It is distributed in bioregions such as NCo, NCoRO, NCoRI, n&c SNF, GV, CW (excluding SCoRI), SCo, ChI, and PR. It is also found in southeastern United States and is native to Europe. Its flowering period is from March to June.
It is worth noting that this plant may have poisonous qualities. To control common vetch, post-emergent two-, three-, and four-way broadleaf herbicides can be used. Effective herbicides contain triclopyr, clopyralid, or fluroxypyr products.
Common names
Common Vetch, Garden Vetch
How to care for Common Vetch
Common Vetch is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Common Vetch should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Common Vetch loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Common Vetch requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Common Vetch will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Common Vetch is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Common Vetch’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
