Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
sativa
ID:
213450

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 736 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212779

Common Names

  • Vicia sativa
  • Common Vetch
  • Vetch

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Synonyms

  • Vicia alba Moench [unknown]
  • Vicia melanosperma Rchb. [unknown]
  • Vicia erythosperma Rchb. [unknown]
  • Vicia nemoralis Ten. [unknown]
  • Vicia nemoralis Boreau [unknown]
  • Vicia notota Gilib. [unknown]
  • Vicia pallida Jacquem. ex Baker [unknown]
  • Vicia cornigera St.-Amans [unknown]
  • Vicia sativa sativa [unknown]
  • Vicia communis sativa (L.) Rouy [unknown]

Description

Vicia sativa (also called Common Vetch, among many other common names) is an annual plant with long, hairy stems and long, narrow leaves. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is found in grassy places, meadows, and cultivated fields.

Uses & Benefits

Vicia sativa is used as an ornamental plant and as a forage crop for livestock.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Vicia sativa sub. amphicarpa (Dorthes) Asch.
Vicia sativa sub. macrocarpa (Moris) Arcang.
Vicia sativa sub. nigra (L.) Ehrh.
Vicia sativa sub. cordata (Hoppe) Batt.
Vicia sativa sub. sativa
Vicia sativa sub. cordata (Hoppe) Asch. & Graebn.
Vicia sativa sub. incisa (M.Bieb.) Arcang.
Vicia sativa var. abyssinica (Alef.) Baker
Vicia sativa sub. devia J.G.Costa
Vicia sativa sub. amphicarpa (L.) Batt.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Vicia sativa has small, purple flowers with four petals and a yellow center. The seed is small, round, and black. The seedlings are thin and delicate.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Vicia sativa is a hardy annual that is easy to grow from seed. Sow the seeds in the spring, in a sunny spot, in well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep. The plants will grow to a height of about 18 inches and will produce white flowers in the summer. The plants should be thinned to about 8 inches apart. Deadheading the flowers will help to encourage more blooms. The plants can be propagated by division in the spring.

Where to Find Vicia sativa

Vicia sativa can be found in dry, sandy soils in the western United States, from California to Nebraska and east to Texas.

Vicia sativa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Vicia sativa?

Vicia sativa

What is the common name of Vicia sativa?

Common Vetch

What is the growth habit of Vicia sativa?

It is an annual herb

Species in the Vicia genus

Vicia hassei, Vicia lomensis, Vicia ocalensis, Vicia setifolia, Vicia epetiolaris, Vicia macrograminea, Vicia pampicola, Vicia acutifolia, Vicia americana, Vicia andicola, Vicia bijuga, Vicia caroliniana, Vicia humilis, Vicia leucophaea, Vicia linearifolia, Vicia magellanica, Vicia menziesii, Vicia minutiflora, Vicia montevidensis, Vicia nana, Vicia nigricans, Vicia pallida, Vicia pulchella, Vicia stenophylla, Vicia vicina, Vicia peruviana, Vicia andina, Vicia sessei, Vicia tetrasperma, Vicia graminea, Vicia balansae, Vicia michauxii, Vicia pseudo-orobus, Vicia hyrcanica, Vicia amurensis, Vicia splendens, Vicia alpestris, Vicia ciceroidea, Vicia multijuga, Vicia megalotropis, Vicia cassia, Vicia cypria, Vicia kalakhensis, Vicia eristalioides, Vicia mollis, Vicia hyaeniscyamus, Vicia johannis, Vicia parviflora, Vicia tenuissima, Vicia kotschyana,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References