Vicia villosa

Vicia villosa, also known as hairy vetch, is a species of flowering plant from the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced to North America, where it is commonly used as a cover crop.

Description

Vicia villosa is a climbing, herbaceous, annual plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has a hairy stem and leaves, which gives it its common name, hairy vetch. The leaves are pinnate, with 10-20 pairs of leaflets and a tendril at the tip. The flowers are purple or blue, and they are followed by a pod containing 4-8 seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Vicia villosa is native to Europe and western Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is now widespread. It grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Uses

Vicia villosa is commonly used as a cover crop in agriculture. It is planted in the fall and grows over the winter, providing ground cover and preventing soil erosion. In the spring, it is plowed under to add organic matter to the soil. It is also used as a green manure, as it is able to fix nitrogen from the air, improving soil fertility.

Cultivation

Vicia villosa is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate frost and is often planted in the fall to provide ground cover over the winter. It requires full sun to partial shade and moderate water.

See also

• Cover crop
• Green manure
• Legume
• Fabaceae