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Vicia Sativa Subsp. Sativa

Vicia Sativa Subsp. Sativa

Description

Vicia Sativa Subsp. Sativa, commonly known as the Common Vetch, is an annual or biennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe but has been widely introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world. The plant grows up to 100 cm tall and produces spirally coiled tendrils that aid in climbing. The leaves are pinnate and have 4-12 leaflets. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and grow in clusters. The fruits are pods that contain 4-12 seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Angiospermae
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Vicia

Appearance

The Common Vetch has a slender stem that grows up to 100 cm tall. It produces spirally coiled tendrils that aid in climbing. The leaves are pinnate and have 4-12 leaflets that are oblong in shape. The leaflets are 1-4 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and grow in clusters of 2-8. They are about 1 cm long and have a distinctive shape with a standard, two wings, and a keel. The fruits are pods that are 2-5 cm long and contain 4-12 seeds.

Care Guide

The Common Vetch is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips for its care:- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but you can add compost or a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA zones 2-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Common Vetch is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers.- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil, leading to the death of the plant.

Habitat

The Common Vetch is native to Europe but has been widely introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Asia. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, fields, and disturbed areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the Common Vetch a good plant for forage?

A: Yes, the Common Vetch is often used as a forage crop for livestock.

Q: Can the Common Vetch fix nitrogen?

A: Yes, the plant can fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by other plants.

Q: Is the Common Vetch an invasive species?

A: The plant has been classified as invasive in some regions, such as Australia.

Q: Can the Common Vetch be grown as a cover crop?

A: Yes, the plant is often used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to the Common Vetch:- Vicia Faba (Broad Bean)- Vicia Villosa (Hairy Vetch)- Vicia Cracca (Tufted Vetch)- Vicia Sativa Subsp. Nigra (Winter Vetch)

References

– USDA Plants Database. (2021). Vicia Sativa L. subsp. Sativa. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=VISA2.- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Vicia Sativa Linnaeus, subsp. Sativa. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415602.- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Vicia Sativa. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282977&isprofile=0&.- CABI. (2021). Vicia Sativa (Common Vetch). Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/117121.

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