Winter Tares (Vicia sativa leucosperma)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Vicia sativa leucosperma is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Not very palatable nor very digestible but it is very nutritious. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flour to make bread, biscuits, cakes etc. — Not very palatable nor very digestible but it is very nutritious.; The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flour to make bread, biscuits, cakes etc.; The beans compliment the protein in the cereal making it more complete.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Hedges and grassy places, avoiding acid soils or shady positions. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)