common vetch

Overview

Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is a hardy plant species, native to Europe but naturalized throughout the world. It has a difficult start, but with proper care and attention becomes a fast growing vine with abundant saucer-shaped flowers. Its leaves are dark green, and its white flowers bloom in the spring and summer. Common vetch provides important nitrogen-fixation and is therefore often used in crop rotations and companion planting. It can also serve as an ideal pasture crop where grazing is practiced and can be combined with all common grass species. Once established, common vetch is quite resilient and can provide a year round mat of cover and forage for wildlife.

Care Guide