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Vicia_gigantea - Hook.

Common Name Giant Vetch
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Moist places in California, especially in redwood forests[71].
Range Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Vicia_gigantea Giant Vetch


commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Vicia_gigantea Giant Vetch
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

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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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

V. nigricans gigantea. (Hook.)Lassetter.&Gunn.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Young seed - raw or cooked[256]. The seeds are produced in pods 2 - 5cm long, each pod containing 3 - 4 round seeds the size of small peas[256]. They are eaten, when young, like green peas[2, 105, 118, 161], the flavour even of young seeds is rather strong, like old garden peas[256]. Some native North American Indian tribes regarded the seeds as poisonous, though other tribes would eat them as a snack. The pods were harvested when green and then roasted in an open fire until the pods started to split open. The seeds were then removed and eaten[256].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The roots are laxative[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used as a tonic hair wash and anti-dandruff treatment[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

An infusion of the roots has been used as a tonic hair wash and anti-dandruff treatment[257]. Nitrogen fixer. Dynamic accumulator.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fairly heavy loam but succeeds in a sunny position in most soils that are well-drained[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Vicia giganteaGiant VetchPerennial1.0 4-8  LMHSNM213

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Hook.

Botanical References

71

Links / References

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