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Description
Vicia Cracca, commonly known as Tufted Vetch or Bird Vetch, is a member of the legume family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to Europe and Asia. It has a sprawling growth pattern, with stems that are thin and wiry. The leaves are pinnate with 10-20 leaflets, and the flowers are purple or blue in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Vicia |
Appearance
Vicia Cracca is a visually appealing plant with sprawling stems and delicate leaves. Its flowers are a vibrant shade of purple or blue and bloom in dense clusters. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a wiry, sprawling growth habit. The leaves are pinnate with 10-20 leaflets, and the flowers are pea-like, with a distinct keel.
Care Guide
Vicia Cracca is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. It is a legume, which means that it is capable of fixing nitrogen from the air and therefore does not require much fertilization. Here is a brief guide to caring for Vicia Cracca:- Water: Vicia Cracca can tolerate periods of drought, but it prefers moist soil. Water it regularly, especially during periods of dry weather.- Fertilization: Vicia Cracca does not require much fertilization, as it is capable of fixing nitrogen from the air. However, you can add some nitrogen-rich fertilizer if you want to encourage more vigorous growth.- Soil: Vicia Cracca can grow in a range of soils but prefers well-draining loam. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.- Sunlight: Vicia Cracca prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Vicia Cracca is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vicia Cracca is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can sometimes be affected by the following:- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled with a pesticide or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be treated with a miticide.- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and browning of the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Vicia Cracca can be found in a range of habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, and waste ground. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vicia Cracca an annual or perennial plant?
A: Vicia Cracca is a perennial plant.
Q: Does Vicia Cracca require a lot of fertilization?
A: No, Vicia Cracca is capable of fixing nitrogen from the air and therefore does not require much fertilization.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Vicia Cracca?
A: Vicia Cracca is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Q: Does Vicia Cracca require a lot of water?
A: Vicia Cracca prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water it regularly, especially during periods of dry weather.
Related Plants
– Vicia faba (Broad bean)- Vicia sativa (Common vetch)- Vicia villosa (Hairy vetch)- Vicia sepium (Bush vetch)
References
– USDA Plants Database: Vicia Cracca- Missouri Botanical Garden: Vicia Cracca- Cornell University: Vicia Cracca
