Two-Leaf Vetch
Vicia unijuga

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia unijuga is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Thickets and grassy places in lowland and low mountains all over Japan. Hills, forests, grasslands or bush-woods to elevations of 4000 metres in northern China.

E. Asia - northern China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Russia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young plants and leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A very ornamental plant. 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; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ervum unijugum. Lathyrus messerschmidtii . Orobus lathyroides.