Family: Fabaceae
Author: Muhl. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 3: 1096 (1802)
Year: 1802
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vicia
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America
Description
The American vetch, scientifically known as Vicia americana, is a perennial plant native to North America. This resilient member of the Fabaceae family thrives in a variety of habitats, from open plains to forested areas, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.
First described in the early 19th century by Muhl. ex Willd., and cataloged in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1802, the American vetch continues to be a subject of botanical interest owing to its ecological significance and distinctive characteristics.
Typically, the American vetch exhibits slender, climbing stems that can reach up to several feet in length. The plant is characterized by its intricate tendrils, which enable it to grasp adjacent vegetation for support, forming a dense, often entangled, vine-like structure. This climbing nature is particularly advantageous in its natural habitats, allowing the American vetch to coexist and intermingle with a variety of other plant species.
The leaves of Vicia americana are pinnately compound, with numerous paired leaflets that are lanceolate to oblong in shape. This foliage arrangement not only contributes to the plant’s aesthetic appeal, but also maximizes its photosynthetic efficiency. Adding to its visual charm are the plant’s delicate, pealike flowers, which bloom in shades of purple and occasionally pink. These blossoms are typically clustered in racemes, offering a visually striking contrast against the lush green backdrop of the foliage.
An important aspect of the American vetch is its role in the ecosystem. As a legume, it plays a crucial part in nitrogen fixation, a process that enriches the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants. This characteristic not only promotes the growth and health of surrounding flora, but also enhances soil fertility, making Vicia americana an invaluable component of its ecological community.
Moreover, the American vetch serves as a vital food source for a variety of fauna. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its foliage is consumed by herbivores. This interdependence further underscores the plant’s importance within its native ecosystems, reflecting a complex web of biological interactions.
In summary, the American vetch, or Vicia americana, is a plant of notable ecological and botanical interest. Its adaptive climbing habit, nitrogen-fixing ability, and role as a food source for diverse species underscore its significance in North American landscapes. Through its multifaceted contributions, the American vetch continues to thrive and support its surrounding environment, embodying the intricate interconnections that define natural ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: american deervetch, american purple vetch, american vetch, peavine
Fra: vesce d’amérique
En: American vetch, Buffalo-pea, Peavine, American Purple Vetch, American deervetch
Ar: بيقية أمريكية
Fr: Vesce d’Amérique
Nv: Chʼiidą́ą́tsʼóóz
Fa: ماشک آمریکایی
Synonyms
- Abacosa americana ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Alef.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Nov 7, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2011 by EOL − Jorg and Mimi Fleige (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken May 14, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 29, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2016 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 29, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2975204)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524512-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia americana Willd.)
Specifications
Growth form: Rhizomatous
Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 5.9