Vicia villosa Large Russian vetch (Leguminosae)

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Vicia villosa
Large Russian vetch
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The Vicia villosa plant species is found in C. and S. Europe. W. Asia and N. Africa. Naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Large Russian vetch.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Vicia villosa
Common Name:  Large Russian vetch
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  Roth.

Known Hazards:  There is some evidence that the seed may be toxic but this has only been shown under laboratory conditions, there are no recorded cases of poisoning by this plant in Britain[76].

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Cultivated land and waste places, avoiding acid soils and shady positions[17].

Cultivation Notes: 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[200]. Cultivated for its edible seed in N. and C. Europe[2]. This species is not very deep rooting[87]. 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[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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