Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) Description: This annual wildflower is 1-21⁄2’ tall, branching occasionally. It is semi-erect, using its tendrils to cling to adjacent vegetation. The stems are light green, ribbed, and sparsely pubescent .
What does common vetch look like?
Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) Description: This annual wildflower is 1-21⁄2’ tall, branching occasionally. It is semi-erect, using its tendrils to cling to adjacent vegetation. The stems are light green, ribbed, and sparsely pubescent .
What is vetch good for?
A poultice of the leaves has been used to treat spider bites , an infusion of the plant has been used as eyewash and an infusion of the tops has been used as a wash in sweat houses. American vetch has also been used as a panacea, an aphrodisiac, and a good luck charm.
Is vetch a legume?
Common Vetch: A Versatile Pasture Crop That Provides Multiple Benefits for the Farm. Common vetch (V. sativa) which is shown in Figure 1 belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family , within the genus Vicia.
How do you identify vetch?
Notes: There are several members of the pea family that are climbing vines with racemes of purplish or pinkish flowers. One major distinguishing feature is the stipule at the base of the leaf stalk, which is unique for many species; American Vetch is unique with the 3 sharp teeth on the lower half of the stipule .
Is common vetch poisonous to humans?
The vetches grown as forage are generally toxic to non-ruminants (such as humans), at least if eaten in quantity. ... In common vetch, γ-glutamyl-β-cyanoalanine has been found.
Can you eat common vetch?
Most of the plant is edible and some species actually taste decent. Common vetch is one of the better ones. The young shoots are edible raw, but better cooked. ... They look like green beans and taste like them, too.
How do you get rid of vetch?
- Spray the entire plant with a ready-to-use triclopyr herbicide, which should be 1 1/2 to 2 percent. ...
- Spray the plant a second time after this period if the plant doesn’t die.
How do I get rid of common vetch?
Answer: You can use a round up type product like eraser as a spot treatment, but if you want to get rid of the Vetch selectively you can use Lontrel . You can apply Lontrel over your flowers and it will only kill the grassy weeds, like vetch.
What is the difference between hairy vetch and common vetch?
They both have ferny foliage reminiscent of sweet peas with purple flowers that give way to small seed pods that look just like pea pods; however, they are non-edible. The main difference between the two species is size: hairy vetch grows as a sprawling mass about knee high, while common vetch can get waist high.
Is vetch good for cattle?
K-State Grazing Management: Toxic Plants Summary. Hairy Vetch is a nitrogen-fixing plant that works well as a cover crop. However, it is not recommended for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses . The mortality rate for affected animals ranges from 50-100%, typically as a result of kidney failure.
Is crown vetch invasive?
Crown vetch is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. Since its introduction to the U.S., it has spread throughout the country. It is currently reported as invasive in many states , especially through the center of the country and along the eastern seaboard.
Can you plant a vetch?
It’s important to provide time for the roots to establish before the ground freezes in winter. To plant hairy vetch, plow the soil as you would for any regular crop. ... Cover the seeds with about 1⁄2 inch of soil, then water well. The plant will grow vigorously throughout the winter.
Is common vetch good for wildlife?
Common Vetch is a scrambling plant with long, twining stems that have curly tendrils on the ends. ... Our common plants provide vital food and shelter for all kinds of wildlife from butterflies to birds.
Where does common vetch grow?
It is commonly used as a cover crop because it can fix nitrogen in the soil. This semi-erect climbing plant, uses adjacent vegetation for support. Its natural habitats include cropland, fallow fields, weedy meadows, roadsides, along railroads and other waste areas .
What animals eat vetch?
Animals that chew their cud, such as cows, sheep and goats are able to eat crown vetch because the offending compounds are absorbed in their more complex digestive system but in an animal without the ruminate digestion it can cause weight loss, lack of muscle coordination, posterior paralysis and eventually death.
