Wood vetch
Vicia sylvatica

Family: Leguminosae

What it is like

Vicia sylvatica Benth. is a synonym of Vicia bakeri Ali

Vicia sylvatica is a deciduous Perennial Climber growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. 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. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Forests, bush woods, among shrubs, hill slopes, grasslands, roadsides; at elevations from 2,300 - 3.600 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas of China, Pakistan, Nepal and India

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed - cooked. They are rich in protein and carbohydrates, but are best soaked before use (the soakwater being discarded) in order to get rid of a bitter substance.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Paste of leaves applied to treat cuts and wounds (CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants)

Other

Rating: 2

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.

How it is grown

Species in this genus generally succeed in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise they are 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. Can be grown as an annual in colder areas.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in spring. An autumn sowing in situ might also succeed. The seed has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 3-8

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Bunkala, Wood Vetch

Synonyms

V. sylvatica Benth. is a synonym of V. bakeri Ali