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.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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.
Flower color
Purple/Lavender
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
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.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Black; Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Legume
Fruit size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Each somewhat flattened legume contains 4 to 8 seeds. The rounded seeds are dispersed after the pod explosively opens.
Stem detail
A single stem
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe, Asia, North Africa
Wildlife value
Cross-pollinated bumblebees and other bees with long tongues. Ants are attracted to the nectar.
Attracts
Bees; Small Mammals
Play value
Attracts Pollinators; Wildlife Food Source
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves
Fruit type
Legume
Edibility
The leaves can be made into teas, cooked or eaten with the young leaves.