Hairy Tare, Tiny vetch
Vicia hirsuta

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia hirsuta is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Grassy places. A common weed of cultivation, avoiding acid soils.

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - cooked. Used like lentils, the seed can be eaten as a staple food. Leaves and stems - cooked. Used as a vegetable

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

General insect (especially bees) nectar plant. Shelter plant for beneficial insects including lacewings, parasitic Wasps, beetles and spiders. Pioneer Species– helps reestablish overused or damaged land. Nitrogen Fixing Plant – this plant creates its own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms (bacteria) in its roots. Dynamic Accumulator Species – Potassium, Phosphorus, Nitrogen.

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.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

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. Occasionally cultivated for its edible seed which is used as a lentil substitute. 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. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Hairy vetch

Synonyms

Cracca hirsuta. Cracca minor. Endiusa hirsuta. Ervum hirsutum