Winter Tares, Garden vetch, Subterranean vetch

Vicia sativa

Physical Characteristics

Vicia sativa is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Tea Seed - cooked[22, 74]. Not very palatable nor very digestible but it is very nutritious[2, 115]. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flour to make bread, biscuits, cakes etc[183]. The beans compliment the protein in the cereal making it more complete[K]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves, young shoots and young pods - cooked[105, 177, 183]. The leaves are a tea substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

There is some evidence that the seed may be toxic but this has only been shown under laboratory conditions, there are no recorded cases of poisoning by this plant in Britain[76].