Vicia nigricans

Vicia nigricans 4997

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Vicia nigricans
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
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Species	Template:Taxonomy/Vicia V. nigricans
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Vicia Vicia nigricans Hook. & Arn.

Vicia nigricans, commonly known as the black vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to parts of North America, particularly the western regions. This species is known for its distinctive dark-colored flowers and its ability to thrive in various habitats.

Description

Vicia nigricans is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant has compound leaves with several pairs of leaflets and tendrils that help it climb. The flowers are typically dark purple to black, which is a distinguishing feature of this species. The fruit is a pod containing several seeds.

Habitat

Vicia nigricans is commonly found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in disturbed areas.

Distribution

This species is native to the western parts of North America, including regions of California, Oregon, and Washington. It has also been observed in parts of British Columbia.

Ecology

Vicia nigricans plays a role in its ecosystem by providing food for various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant is also a source of forage for some herbivorous animals. Additionally, as a member of the Fabaceae family, it contributes to soil health through nitrogen fixation.

Uses

While Vicia nigricans is not widely used in agriculture, it has potential as a cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. It may also be used in restoration ecology projects to help rehabilitate disturbed lands.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Vicia nigricans varies by region. In some areas, it is considered to be of least concern, while in others, habitat loss and environmental changes may pose threats to its populations.

Related Pages

• Fabaceae
• Nitrogen fixation
• Perennial plant
• Pollination
• Restoration ecology