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Bush Vetch Vicia sepium 

© 2020-2025 Adrian Briggs

Bush Vetch is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadow and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 100cm.

Bush Vetch is distinguished from other vetches, such as the Tufted Vetch by: its scrambling but erect bushy habit (owing to its sturdy stems); its small clusters of up to six flowers; and its dull-purple petal colour. In addition to flower nectaries, the Bush Vetch has nectaries at the base of its leaves to attract ants, who help to fend off potentially damaging insect intruders. The presence of established Bush Vetch can be an indicator of ancient woodland.

Botanic classification and naming: Bush Vetch is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name 'Vicia' identifies the plant as a Vetch and its species name 'sepium' means 'hedge-growing plant'.

Concerns: Bush Vetch is a climber and may overgrow other plants. It has toxic seeds.

Benefits: Bush Vetch provides a food source for bees, butterflies, caterpillars and beetles. Bush Vetch also 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.