Giant vetch
Vicia gigantea
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A succulent climbing herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-2 m tall. The stems are soft, ridged and green. The leaves are compound. They have 19-29 long leaflets. These are 2-4 cm long. They form 2 rows along the central stem. There is a tendril at the end. The flowers are pea-like. They can be pale or purple. They are in clusters of 6 to 14. The ripe pods are 2-5 cm long. They are like pea pods and black. They contain 3 or 4 round seeds.
There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.
Where it is found
It grows coastal areas. It can be inland in moist forest clearings.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds have been roasted and eaten. Caution: The seeds may be poisonous and should be eaten with caution.
Edible parts
Seeds, caution