Pea Vetch, Pale-flower vetch
Vicia pisiformis

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia pisiformis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). 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): 1.8

Where it is found

Forests, mainly broad-leaved, in Scandinavia and eastwards to Asia.

C. and E. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. Used like lentils. Used as a vegetable. No more details are given.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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. Cultivated in France. (for its edible seed?). 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.

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; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

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

Ervum pisiforme. Vicia ochroleuca