bird vetch (Vicia cracca)

Common Name: bird vetch
Scientific Name: Vicia cracca L.
Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - Pea or Bean Family

Life Cycle

introduced perennial

Stems

sprawling on ground or climbing, tendrils, thin, weak, fine pubescent

Growth Cycle of Bird Vetch
Growth Cycle of Bird Vetch

Leaves

alternate, branched tendrils at tip, pinnate, 8-12 leaflet pairs; leaflets, opposite, linear or narrowly oblong, fine pubescent

Flowers

violet-blue, numerous; clustered on one sided of stalk, axillary

Seedpods

flat, pea-like pod