How to identify Common vetch (Vicia sativa)

How to identify Common vetch (Vicia sativa)

Common vetch, also known as Summer vetch

Common vetch exhibits a viny growth habit, allowing it to semi-erectly climb with the assistance of surrounding plants for support. Its stems are slender, and it demonstrates the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting soil health. The leaves are pinnate with multiple leaflets, and the plant bears small, legume-type flowers that are often purple or blue, followed by pod fruits typical of the Fabaceae family. Typically found as a cover crop, common vetch reaches a height of about 3-4 feet (90-120 cm).

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Vine, Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common vetch

Slender climbing stem, reaching 2 feet (60 cm) with tendrils for support.

Pinnate leaves with 5-6 pairs of narrow leaflets, 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long.

Pea-shaped flowers in pairs, with broad upper petal and oval lateral petals.

Legume-type fruit with 4-8 seeds, pods explosively open for seed dispersal.

Green to blackish hued fruit pods, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, containing viable seeds.

Detailed Traits of Common vetch

Leaf Features

The leaves of common vetch are very narrow, measuring 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in length. Each leaf is evenly-pinnate and contains 5 to 6 pairs of leaflets, with individual leaflets being 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) long and 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide. Tendrils form at the ends of the leaves. The upper side is medium light green, while the underside is pale green, ribbed and slightly pubescent along the central vein.

Leaf Shape

Linear ,

Elliptic ,

Obcordate ,

Oblong

Leaf Type

Pinnate

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Mucronate

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Common vetch has inconspicuous pea-shaped flowers located in the leaf axils. They appear in pairs, supported by flower stalks (peduncles) that measure 2-6 mm (0.08-0.24 inches). The upper petal is broad, flared, and notched in the center. The two lateral petals are oval-shaped and may be darker. These flowers are eventually replaced by elongated, green seedpods measuring 1.5-3 inches (38-76 mm), which turn dark brown and contain 4-8 seeds.

Corolla Type

Papilionaceous

Inflorescence Type

Solitary ,

Fascicle

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Common vetch has a slender, climbing stem that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The stem is smooth and has a green to purplish hue, depending on its age and environmental conditions. It tends to branch out frequently, creating a network of vines that support each other. A distinguishing feature is the presence of tendrils at its ends, which aid in climbing and support. The stem's thickness ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2 to 5 mm).

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of common vetch is a somewhat flattened legume, typically encasing 4 to 8 rounded seeds. These seeds are housed within pods that measure approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) in length. The fruit exhibits a green to blackish hue maturing with age. Notably, the pods feature a remarkable mechanism where they explosively open to disperse the seeds, an adaptation for seed dispersal. The seeds themselves are generally smooth, with a firm texture that indicates viability for germination.

Fruit Type

Legume

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Common vetch and Their Similar Plants

Hairy vetch vs. Common vetch: What's The Difference?

Hairy vetch is often grown as a cover crop, or to provide forage or fodder for animals. However, use caution when planting and check your local regulations, as this plant is considered an invasive species in many states in the U.S. and several other countries.

Broad bean vs. Common vetch: What's The Difference?

Broad bean (Vicia faba) is a fruit-bearing flowering plant related to the pea. Its origins are unknown. The broad bean is also called the broad bean or the faba bean. This plant is widely cultivated for human consumption and has a broad range of culinary uses.

Carolina vetch vs. Common vetch: What's The Difference?

Carolina vetch (Vicia caroliniana) is a flowering perennial native to the eastern United States. It is a typical representative of the Legume family, featuring a typical compound leaf and attractive, pollinator-friendly white flower clusters. One might say that carolina vetch looks like a miniature herbaceous version of its woody cousin, the Black locust tree.

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Key Facts About Common vetch

Attributes of Common vetch

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Flower Size

1 cm to 3 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Black

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Purple

Pink

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Common vetch

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Common vetch

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Vetches

Species

Common vetch (Vicia sativa)

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Distribution Map of Common vetch

Common vetch is a very widespread plant native to North Africa and most of Eurasia. It has also been introduced to many parts of the Americas, Africa, and Australia. This aggressive plant grows in meadows and disturbed areas and is classed as an invasive species in many places, including the state of Oregon.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Common vetch

A Comprehensive Guide to Common vetch How to Grow and Care for Common vetch