Tufted vetch  (Viccia cracca)

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).

Common and widespread throughout much of Britain up to altitudes of 550 m (3). It is also found in Greenland, throughout Europe, in Asia as far east as Japan and has been introduced to North America (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

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 perennial climbing herb flowers from May to August, with the seeds ripening from July to September. The flowers are pollinated by bees and flies (6).

This species is not threatened.

Conservation action is not required for this common species.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

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