Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)

Botanical name

Vicia cracca

Other names

Tufted vetch, Cow Vetch, Bird Vetch

Genus

Vicia Vicia

Species

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.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flower is spicy, sweet scented.

Habit

Climbing

Toxicity

The seeds of some Vicias contain cyanide compounds and are toxic to humans and animals if eaten.

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Summer; Purple in Autumn

Foliage

Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn

General care

Pruning

Vigorous climber which can cause "strangling" of smaller plants.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)

Common pest name

American serpentine leaf miner; chrysanthemum leaf miner

Scientific pest name

Liriomyza trifolii

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest already subject to review at the EU level (2013). Regularly intercepted in the trade.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Vicia cracca (Tufted vetch)

Common pest name

Lima-bean pod borer; Pea pod borer

Scientific pest name

Etiella zinckenella

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

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.

About this section

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: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/