Vicia cracca
bird vetch
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
Other common names
Canada peacommon tufted vetch
see morecow vetch
tine grass
tufted vetch
wild fetches
wild fitches
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
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