Vicia japonica
Vicia japonica
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Pl. D389 — Vicia japonica
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IOverview
Overview
Vicia japonica, a perennial legume native to regions including China North-Central, Inner Mongolia, and Japan, is known for its edible leaves and seeds. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure, adapting well to various soil types such as sandy, medium, and clay. Standing at about 1.5 meters tall, Vicia japonica can be found in habitats across China North-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Islands, Manchuria, and other areas. Its light requirement and soil adaptability make it a versatile addition to gardens or agricultural settings where its edible parts can be utilized.
Quick answers
What is Vicia japonica?
Vicia japonica, a perennial legume native to regions including China North-Central, Inner Mongolia, and Japan, is known for its edible leaves and seeds. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure, adapting well to various soil types such as sandy, medium, and clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Vicia japonica thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, it can be grown from seed. Harvest the edible parts—leaves and seeds—for use in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Vicia japonica for the first time
8steps
Start with Vicia japonica as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, either sandy, medium, or clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the ground or plant seedlings at the same depth.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Watch for signs of stress like wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with compost if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier plant and remove any dead or damaged parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Vicia japonica plant is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten fresh or cooked in various dishes, while the seeds can be harvested and used as a food source after proper preparation. Both parts of the plant are typically enjoyed raw or lightly cooked to enhance their natural flavors.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 11 native· 1 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Chita, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin
introduced:Magadan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d389a764-cb9f-46d5-930f-699d3ac3ec83
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