Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 734 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vicia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe
Description
The Great Wood-Vetch, scientifically named Vicia dumetorum, is an intriguing species of the Fabaceae family. First described in 1753, this plant stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity that can be found across Europe.
Belonging to the legume family, the Great Wood-Vetch is noted for its climbing or scrambling growth habit, often seen entwining amidst the foliage in wooded areas or hedgerows. Its slender, vining stems can stretch out, anchoring themselves with tendrils, which are a common characteristic of many vetch species. This growth pattern allows it to thrive in its natural habitat, frequently coexisting with various other flora.
The leaves of Vicia dumetorum are pinnate, consisting of multiple leaflets that are soft to the touch. These leaflets are typically arranged in a manner that allows efficient capture of sunlight, aiding in the plant’s photosynthesis process. During its blooming period, the Great Wood-Vetch produces clusters of delicate flowers. These blossoms, often sporting shades of blue to violet, add a dash of color to the green backdrop of their environment, making them easily identifiable to the keen observer.
One of the remarkable aspects of Vicia dumetorum is its role in the ecosystem. Being a member of the Fabaceae family, it plays a crucial part in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil with nutrients and supporting the growth of surrounding plant life. This characteristic makes it an important ecological contributor, promoting biodiversity and the well-being of its habitat.
Despite its relatively understated appearance, the Great Wood-Vetch has a significant presence in European woodlands. Its resilience and adaptability allow it to flourish in a variety of forested environments, from dense woods to lighter, mixed woodlands. Observing the Great Wood-Vetch in its natural setting offers insights into the delicate balance and interconnectedness of forest ecosystems.
For botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, Vicia dumetorum serves as a classic example of the rich vegetative tapestry found across Europe. Its historical documentation by L. in the mid-18th century underscores the long-standing recognition and study of this species. Whether studied for its ecological role or appreciated for its serene beauty, the Great Wood-Vetch is a noteworthy plant that continues to be a subject of interest and admiration.
Common Names
Deu: hecken-wicke
Dan: krat-vikke
Swe: buskvicker, pensaikkovirna
Nob: krattvikke
Nno: krattvikke
Lav: krūm
Fin: pensaikkovirna
En: Great Wood-vetch
Ar: بيقية التخوم
Be: Гарошак зараснікавы
Bg: Храсталачна глушина
Cs: Vikev křovištní
Da: Krat-vikke
Nl: Struweelwikke
Fi: Pensaikkovirna
Fr: “Vesce des buissons, Tremblarète”, Vesce des buissons, Tremblarète
De: Hain-Wicke, Hecken-Wicke, Hecken Wicke
It: Veccia boschiva
Lv: Krūm
Li: Bóswèk
Lt: Krūmelinis vikis
Nb: Krattvikke
Nn: Krattvikke
Pl: Wyka zaroślowa
Ru: Горошек кустарниковый
Sv: Buskvicker, Pensaikkovirna
: Great wood-vetch
Synonyms
- Vicia dentata (Fisch. ex Hornem.)
- Oxypogon elegans (Raf. ex DC.)
- Orobella vicioides (C.Presl)
- Vicia patula (Moench)
- Cracca dumetorum ((L.) Opiz)
- Vicia fischeri (Steud.)
- Abacosa dumetorum ((L.) Alef.)
- Vicia dumicola (Dulac)
- Vicia desertorum (Link)
- Vicia variegata (Gilib.)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Central European Rus (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Christophe Régnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 1, 2019 by Charles Leclerc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2018 by Simon Crameri (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Habit
Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Oktay Meriç (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Bark
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524709-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2974946)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia dumetorum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 5