Hairy vetch - Vicia villosa (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Hairy vetch

Also known as: Winter vetch

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

30 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Purple, White, Pink, Blue, Lavender

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Hairy vetch

Distribution of Hairy vetch

Distribution Map

Hairy vetch is native to the North Africa, Europe and West Asia. It is found by roadsides, riverbanks, and meadows. It has been introduced to the rest of the world and is reported on all continents except Antarctica. Hairy vetch is on the Oregon Invasive List.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated land, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

One of the best uses of hairy vetch is planting it as a green manure crop to add nutrients to the soil for a vegetable garden. This plant fixes nitrogen from the air, making this crucial plant nutrient available to other crops after the hairy vetch is cut and tilled into the soil. The dense foliage also adds considerable amounts of organic matter to the ground when it is used as green manure.

Symbolism

I Cling To Thee, Shyness

Interesting Facts

Hairy vetch is a nitrogen-fixing legume. It is often used in organic farming as a cover crop and chop-and-drop mulch. Once the winter cover crop has been felled, tomatoes can be planted in the same place, leaving the hairy vetch to act as a mulch and compost. The drawback of this type of plant is that it can reseed itself, leading to a fall crop which may be undesirable.

Name Story

Hairy vetch: It is a plant native to some parts of Europe and western Asia. It is a legume and it is grown as a forage crop, fodder crop, cover crop, and green manure. As the stem is featured with hair, it is called hairy vetch.

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Toxicity

Hairy vetch is toxic to cats and dogs; its seeds contain cyanide. Symptoms in pets include discomfort, respiratory issues, and seizures. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingested. Despite laboratory evidence and animal observations, no human poisoning cases have been reported. Caution is advised to prevent accidental consumption of hairy vetch's seeds by pets.

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Weed Control

Hairy vetch grows as a weed throughout the United States. Its stems are weak, so the plant uses tendrils to grasp onto other objects for support. While it provides good ground cover for erosion control, it is considered invasive in California, Florida, Georgia, Alaska, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington as well as Canada and some parts of Europe and Japan. It can alter habitat structure and reduce the abundance of native plants by competing for space, contaminate crop seeds and be toxic to horses. Hand pulling small quantities of weed before it goes to seed can lessen the threat to native plants.

How to Control It

The best season for removing hairy vetch is the spring season, prior to the weed flowering and setting seed. This minimizes the spread of any potential seeds. Here are some methods you might find useful to control or remove hairy vetch:

Hand Pulling: One of the simplest ways to remove hairy vetch is by straight hand-pulling. Be sure to remove the plant and its roots as soon as they are big enough to grasp.
Solarization: This is a longer-term solution. Water the area where hairy vetch is growing and cover it with a clear plastic tarp. Leave the tarp in place for about 4-6 weeks. The sun will heat the soil and kill the weed.
Organic Herbicides: Spray vinegar or a citrus-based mixture on hairy vetch. The acidity from these substances will harm the weed, preventing further growth.
Mulching: Place a thick layer of mulch around your plants. This will not only enrich the soil but will also block sunlight, hindering hairy vetch growth.
Cultivation: Regularly disturbing the soil with hoes or rakes can prevent hairy vetch from taking root.

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Quickly Identify Hairy vetch

Fine, winter-resistant foliage with dense, silky hairs for a shaggy appearance.

Small, delicate flowers in shades of violet blue to pink on slender racemes.

Dehiscent, oblong legume fruits up to 2 inches (5 cm) with neat, round seeds.

Pinnate compound leaves with white hairs along the central stalk.

Vining stems, 3 to 10 feet (90 to 300 cm), rounded with ridges and soft white hairs.

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Care Guide for Hairy vetch

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, hairy vetch prefers consistent hydration, tolerating brief droughts. Water once weekly to avoid soil saturation. Thriving outdoors, it adapts to soil moisture reflecting natural rainfall patterns, making it suitable for temperate climates with regular rain cycles.

Fertilize: Hairy vetch is a nitrogen-fixing plant that is largely self-fertile. Applying high phosphorus fertilizer, like triple superphosphate, significantly boosts its growth and nutrient absorption. Additionally, extra lime can optimize growth; however, avoid over-liming which can be detrimental.

Pruning: Hairy vetch is a climbing plant that can overtake nearby flora if uncontrolled. To maintain a compact growth and prevent unwanted spread, regular pruning is essential.

Propagation: Propagate hairy vetch by sowing seeds in spring for easy growth. Seeds generally sprout in 10-14 days. To enhance germination rates, occasionally scarify the seeds before planting.

Repotting: Hairy vetch requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring the roots receive adequate airflow and preventing waterlogging.

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Images of Hairy vetch

Distribution of Hairy vetch

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Hairy vetch

Care Guide for Hairy vetch

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