Smooth Tare (Vicia tetrasperma)

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

Vicia tetrasperma is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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: Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable. A coffee substitute. The part used is not specified, it is almost certainly the roasted seed. — Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable.; A coffee substitute.; The part used is not specified, it is almost certainly the roasted seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places, avoiding acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)