Vicia pisiformis

Vicia pisiformis is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. Its native range is Europe to Western Siberia, and Caucasus.

Description

A perennial vetch reaching 1.8 m tall with a climbing or sprawling habit. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated and the plant is self-fertile. Thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions. Fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules.

Edible Uses

The seeds are cooked and used much like lentils, and the leaves are also used as a vegetable. No further preparation details are recorded.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Europe, France, Luxembourg, Scandanavia,

Cultivation

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. Cultivated in France. (for its edible seed?). 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.

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Other Uses

Fixes atmospheric nitrogen.

Notes

There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.

Synonyms

References (3)

• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 678
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
• Sp. pl. 2:734. 1753

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