Common Vetch is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland and dry ground, to a mature height of up to 75cm.
Although a native plant, Common Vetch is used agriculturally to provide 'green manure' and animal fodder. In some places, it therefore exists in the wild as an agricultural 'escape' plant.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Vetch is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name
'Vicia' identifies the plant as a Vetch and its species name 'sativa' means 'cultivated plant'.
Concerns: Common Vetch is a climber and may overgrow other plants, such as cereal plants. It has toxic seeds.
Benefits: Common 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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