Carolina vetch (Vicia caroliniana)

Carolina vetch

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Carolina vetch (Vicia caroliniana)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb, Vine

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

60 cm

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

8 mm to 1.3 cm

Flower Size

White, Purple

Flower Color

Images of Carolina vetch

Quickly Identify Carolina vetch

Pinnately compound leaves with entire margins and hairy undersides for tactile identification.

Hollow, hairy stems with subtle wing-like features, approximately 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) in diameter.

Light pinkish-white pea-like flowers, 0.4 to 0.5 inches (10 to 13 mm) long, blooming in spring.

Distinct legume flower structure with banner, wings, and keel arrangement in clustered display.

Leaves are bright green on top, paler underneath, with clear vein patterns and alternate arrangement.

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Care Guide for Carolina vetch

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Carolina vetch thrives in moderately humid environments, requiring consistent moisture. It benefits from weekly watering and prefers well-draining soil for optimal growth, mimicking its natural habitat's conditions of regular rainfall.

Fertilize: Carolina vetch requires balanced nutrition fertilizers with equal NPK ratios to promote growth. Apply a quarter strength bi-weekly during the growing season and stop in winter. Monitor for nutrient deficiencies or excesses and adjust feeding frequency based on soil fertility to avoid nutrient burn.

Pruning: Carolina vetch features delicate flowers and a climbing growth habit. Light pruning in early to late spring promotes healthy growth, vigorous blooming, and disease prevention. Remove dead stems and trim overgrown vines using clean, sharp tools to minimize stress and infection risk.

Propagation: Carolina vetch can be successfully propagated by sowing seeds in well-draining soil at the right depth to maintain moisture contact without burying too deep. Consistent moisture is critical, along with a sheltered environment for seedlings, and gradual acclimatization enhances transplant success.

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