Vicia noeana

Reut. ex Boiss.

Fabaceae Edible: Seeds 5 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Compact annual vetch growing to 0.6 m. Produces self-fertile, hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects and fixes nitrogen. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Prefers mildly acidic to basic soil pH in semi-shade or full sun, thriving in moist conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The seeds are edible, though no further details on preparation are recorded.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Europe, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.