French Vetch, Purple broad vetch

Vicia narbonensis

Physical Characteristics

Vicia narbonensis is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe. W. Asia. N. Africa. a rare casual, occasionally persisting in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[2, 177, 183]. Of excellent quality[2]. Used as a vegetable[105, 177]. The reports do not say what part of the plant is used, It is likely to be the leaves.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known