Giant Vetch
Vicia gigantea

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia gigantea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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

Moist places in California, especially in redwood forests.

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young seed - raw or cooked. The seeds are produced in pods 2 - 5cm long, each pod containing 3 - 4 round seeds the size of small peas. They are eaten, when young, like green peas, the flavour even of young seeds is rather strong, like old garden peas. Some native North American Indian tribes regarded the seeds as poisonous, though other tribes would eat them as a snack. The pods were harvested when green and then roasted in an open fire until the pods started to split open. The seeds were then removed and eaten.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots are laxative. An infusion of the roots has been used as a tonic hair wash and anti-dandruff treatment.

Antidandruff: Treats dandruff.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating: 3

An infusion of the roots has been used as a tonic hair wash and anti-dandruff treatment. Nitrogen fixer. Dynamic accumulator.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fairly heavy loam but succeeds in a sunny position in most soils that are well-drained. Grows well in heavy clay soils.

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; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

V. nigricans gigantea. (Hook.)Lassetter.&Gunn.