American vetch
Vicia americana
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A twining plant. It grows 25-75 cm high. The leaves are alternate and compound. There are 8-14 leaflets. The stipule is small and arrow-shaped. There is a branched tendril. The flowers are bluish-purple and 25 mm long. The fruit is a smooth, flat pod. It is 30 mm long.
There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open woods and grassland. It suits hardiness zones 3-7.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are used as food The pods are used as food. The stems are baked or boiled and eaten as greens.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, seed pod