Pea Vetch
Vicia pisiformis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 2847 — Vicia pisiformis
Vicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformisVicia pisiformis
IOverview
Overview
Pea Vetch, scientifically known as Vicia pisiformis, is a perennial legume native to the central and eastern European regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH range of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, pea vetch is often used as forage or green manure due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. One distinctive feature sets this plant apart: it can grow up to 1.8 meters in height, providing a striking presence in the landscape while contributing to soil health through its root nodules that host beneficial bacteria.
Quick answers
What is Pea Vetch?
Pea Vetch, scientifically known as Vicia pisiformis, is a perennial legume native to the central and eastern European regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH range of 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pea Vetch is a perennial plant that thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.5–8. It requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 1.8 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagate through seed sowing in spring or by dividing established plants in early spring. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be grown for its edible leaves and seeds.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Pea Vetch for the first time
8steps
Pea Vetch is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, making it perfect for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Pea Vetch, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is workable, or in late summer for fall germination.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 7.5 and 8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart. Alternatively, plant seedlings at the same depth as they were in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Thin plants to ensure good air circulation once they sprout.
- 6
Ongoing care
Pea Vetch prefers light shade and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage and prevent disease.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light are common pitfalls for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The pea vetch is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten fresh or dried, while the seeds can be cooked in various ways such as boiling or roasting. SKIP
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 24 native· 1 introduced
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
introduced:Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 28478c10-1fb5-402d-8875-a942a95e5705
Decision aid
Choosing between Pea Vetch and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.