One-Flower Vetch
Vicia articulata

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia articulata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Pine woods, rocky limestone slopes, macchie and meadows, 50 - 800 metres in Turkey.

S. Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. They can be used like lentils.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Can be grown as a green manure crop.

Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.

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. 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. Cultivated in France for its edible seed.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in the spring. An autumn sowing in situ might also succeed.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

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. monanthos. Desv. Cracca monanthos. Lens monantha. Vicia smyrnaea