| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Anthophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Viccia (1) |
| Size | Size: 60 – 200 cm (2) Leaflet length: 5 – 30 mm (2) Flower diameter: 8 – 12 mm (2) Length of seed pod: 10 – 20 mm (2) |
Common and widespread: not threatened (3).
Tufted vetch is a common scrambling or climbing member of the pea family (Fabaceae) (4). The leaves and stems are fairly hairy, and there are numerous branched clinging tendrils that provide aid in climbing (2). The drooping bluish-purple flowers occur in long, one-sided clusters known as racemes(5). Between four and eight seeds are produced in a pod with a nail or claw-like tip (2). The name ‘vetch’ is derived from the Latin name of the genus ‘Viccia’ (5).
Tufted vetch occurs in a range of habitats including road verges, hedgerows, river banks, scrubby grassland, and the borders of woodlands. It can not tolerate permanently wet habitats but is found in marshes, some fens, hay meadows and permanent pastures (3).
This species is not threatened.
Conservation action is not required for this common species.
For more on British native plants and for details of how to get involved in plant conservation visit the website of Plantlife, the wild plant charity:
www.plantlife.org.uk
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