Go to Midwest Weeds Home Page

Common Vetch

Vicia sativa L.

Fabaceae (Legume Family)

▲▼ mature plants in field

▲▼ flowers and young fruit pod

Common Vetch:

·         Summer annual weed with dark green, pinnately compound leaves with narrow, pointed leaflets; leaflets wider than narrowleaf vetch

·         Leaf ends in branched, curling tendril that can clasp onto objects to help in vine climbing

·         Leaves and stems are hairless, or with few hairs

·         Produces two small purple, pea-like flowers in the axils of leaves

·         Seed pods are 1-2 inches long, rounded and nearly black at maturity

·         Common in cultivated crops; native to Europe and the Middle East

Go to Midwest Weeds Home Page