Vicia cracca

RHS Plant Profile
common tufted vetch

Other common names

bird vetch, Canada pea, cow vetch, tine grass, tufted vetch, wild fetches, wild fitches

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A scrambling perennial climbing with leaf tendrils to around 1.5m. The leaves have many pairs of green leaflets in a ladder-like arrangement, the last two of which are tendrils instead. Flowers consist of many of small purple-blue pea-type flowers all arranged on one side side of the stem and develop into pods of seeds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing, Spreading branched
Genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well drained soil in sun or semi-shade. The roots have nodules which fix nitrogen from the air, so improve soil fertility

Propagation

Propagate from seed sown outdoors, in sun or light shade, where it is to grow

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease-free