Cow Vetch
Vicia cracca
| Common Name: | Cow vetch (a.k.a. Tufted vetch) |
| Scientific Name: | Vicia cracca |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Growth Form: | Herb |
| Native Range: | Europe and |
| Alien Range: | Southern Canada, south to |
| Introduction: | Cow vetch was brought from |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Pinnately compound, leaflets in opposing rows. 8-12 pairs of leaflets. Velvety texture. Terminate in long tendril that is used to attach to other plants.
·Stem: Weak. 0.5-1 m (2-3 ft.) tall. Fine hair. Climbs over other vegetation. ·Flowers: 1 cm (0.5 in.) long. Blue or violet. Cluster on one side of protruding spike. Present from May to August. ·Fruit: Flat, brown pod. 2-3 cm (1-1.5 in.) long. Contains seeds. |
| Threats: | Cow vetch can invade disturbed sites and prairie reconstructions, shading out or smothering native vegetation. |
| Fun Facts: | The sweet nectar of cow vetch is commonly enjoyed by bees and butterflies. |
Inflorescence
Leaf
Leaf Glands
Bark
Inflorescence
Inflorescence