Vicia Villosa
Contents
Description
Vicia Villosa, commonly known as hairy vetch, is a legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is an annual or biennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1800s as a forage crop. The plant has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 2 meters long. It has a well-developed taproot and produces numerous branches that bear leaves and flowers. Hairy vetch is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent cover crop for farmers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vicia |
Appearance
Hairy vetch has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 2 meters long. It has a well-developed taproot and produces numerous branches that bear leaves and flowers. The leaves are compound and have 10-20 leaflets that are elliptical in shape and hairy on both sides.The flowers are pink or purple in color and are arranged in clusters on the branches. They are pea-like in shape and have a distinct fragrance. The plant produces pods that contain 5-10 seeds each, which are brown or black in color and are kidney-shaped.
Care Guide
Water
Hairy vetch is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive with little water. However, it requires regular watering during the first few weeks after planting to establish its root system.
Fertilization
As a legume plant, hairy vetch has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, it does not require much fertilization. However, adding phosphorus and potassium to the soil can help improve its growth.
Soil
Hairy vetch prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight
Hairy vetch prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Hairy vetch can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hairy vetch is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew in damp conditions.
Habitat
Hairy vetch is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America as a forage crop. It can grow in a wide range of habitats, including fields, pastures, and roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is hairy vetch an invasive species?
A: No, hairy vetch is not considered an invasive species. It is commonly used as a cover crop and forage crop.Q: Can hairy vetch fix nitrogen in the soil?
A: Yes, hairy vetch is a legume plant that has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.Q: What is the best time to plant hairy vetch?
A: Hairy vetch should be planted in the fall or early spring.Q: How long does hairy vetch take to mature?
A: Hairy vetch can take 60-90 days to mature, depending on the growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Vicia Sativa
- Vicia Faba
- Vicia Hirsuta
- Vicia Cracca
References
- “Hairy Vetch or Sand Vetch.” USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_vivi.pdf
- “Hairy Vetch.” Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/hairy-vetch
- “Hairy Vetch.” University of Maryland Extension. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/hairy-vetch
