Bitter Vetch (Vicia ervilia)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Vicia ervilia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Used as a lentil, it is occasionally eaten in soups. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Used as a lentil, it is occasionally eaten in soups.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Disturbed ground. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)