Giant Vetch (Vicia gigantea)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Vicia gigantea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour even of young seeds is rather strong, like old garden peas. — Young seed - raw or cooked.; The seeds are produced in pods 2 - 5cm long, each pod containing 3 - 4 round seeds the size of small peas.; They are eaten, when young, like green peas, the flavour even of young seeds is rather strong, like old garden peas.; Some native North American Indian tribes regarded the seeds as poisonous, though other tribes would eat them as a snack.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist places in California, especially in redwood forests. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)