Bush Vetch
Vicia sepium
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Vicia sepium is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Grassy places, hedges and thickets, avoiding acid soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and W. Asia to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Dynamic accumulator.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Meadow; Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist