Tufted Vetch is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadows and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 200cm.
Tufted Vetch is distinguished from other vetches, such as the Bush Vetch by: its trailing stems; its elongated spikes of numerous densely-packed flowers; its flowers growing to one side of the flowering spike; and its bright-blue petal colour.
Botanic classification and naming: Tufted Vetch is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name
'Vicia' identifies the plant as a Vetch and its species name 'cracca' means 'pebble'.
Benefits: Tufted Vetch has root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These make atmospheric nitrogen available to feed the plant and enrich the soil.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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