Vicia cracca
Tufted vetch, Cow Vetch, Bird Vetch
Vicia Vicia
V. cracca - V. cracca is a fast-growing perennial that climbs with the use of tendrils. It has greyish-green leaves and in summer and autumn, bears one-sided racemes of cascading pea-shaped purple flowers from spring to late summer.
Vicia cracca is: Deciduous
Flower is spicy, sweet scented.
Climbing
The seeds of some Vicias contain cyanide compounds and are toxic to humans and animals if eaten.
Purple in Summer; Purple in Autumn
Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
Vigorous climber which can cause "strangling" of smaller plants.
Seed
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Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.
Wallside and trellises
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Loamy, Sandy
Well-drained
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Partial Shade, Full Sun
South, West
Exposed, Sheltered
Hardy (H4)
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Vicia cracca
Tufted vetch, Cow Vetch, Bird Vetch
Vicia Vicia
V. cracca - V. cracca is a fast-growing perennial that climbs with the use of tendrils. It has greyish-green leaves and in summer and autumn, bears one-sided racemes of cascading pea-shaped purple flowers from spring to late summer.
Deciduous
Flower is spicy, sweet scented.
Climbing
The seeds of some Vicias contain cyanide compounds and are toxic to humans and animals if eaten.
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Purple in Summer; Purple in Autumn
Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
Vigorous climber which can cause "strangling" of smaller plants.
Seed
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Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.
Wallside and trellises
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Loamy, Sandy
Well-drained
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Partial Shade, Full Sun
South, West
Exposed, Sheltered
Hardy (H4)
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)
American serpentine leaf miner; chrysanthemum leaf miner
Liriomyza trifolii
Insect
Absent
2
3
Regulated pest already subject to review at the EU level (2013). Regularly intercepted in the trade.
Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)
Lima-bean pod borer; Pea pod borer
Etiella zinckenella
Insect
Absent
2
3
Moth pest of peas and beans intercepted in the UK on plant produce with some interceptions now being made on pepper. Unlikely to pose a significant threat; as would not survive UK winters outdoors and suitable hosts are not grown in protected cultivation. Maintain a watching brief for any reports of E. zinckenella on peppers; especially if from Europe and/or glasshouses.
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
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This plant likes... | Garden match | |
Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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