Large yellow vetch (Vicia grandiflora, Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 65 (1771))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Scop.

Bibliography: Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 65 (1771)

Year: 1771

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vicia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. Europe to C. Asia and Iran

Description

Large yellow vetch, scientifically known as Vicia grandiflora, is a captivating member of the Fabaceae family. First classified in the second edition of “Flora Carniolica” in 1771 by the botanist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli, this plant has garnered attention for its vibrant, eye-catching blooms and adaptive growth regions.

Originating and flourishing in regions stretching from Central and Southeastern Europe to Central Asia and Iran, Large yellow vetch is well-adapted to a variety of climates and terrains. This widespread distribution showcases its resilience and adaptability, thriving in diverse environments and contributing to the botanical diversity of these areas.

The plant is characterized by its large, cheerful yellow flowers that stand out vividly against the greenery. These flowers not only add aesthetic beauty to their habitats but also play an essential role in the ecosystem by attracting pollinators, which in turn supports local biodiversity.

Belonging to the Fabaceae family, also commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, Large yellow vetch shares several key characteristics with its relatives. This includes its growth habits and its role in nitrogen fixation, which enriches the soil and benefits surrounding vegetation.

In summary, Vicia grandiflora or Large yellow vetch is more than just a visually appealing plant; it is a resilient and ecologically valuable species that enhances the environments it inhabits. Its broad geographical range from Central Europe to Asia and Iran underlines its adaptability and significance within the natural world.

Common Names

Deu: großblütige wicke
Eng: large yellow vetch
Dan: storblomstret vikke
Pol: wyka brudnożółta
Lav: lielziedu vīķis
Swe: storvicker
Ces: vikev velkokvětá
Nld: grote wikke
En: Large yellow vetch
Ar: بيقية كبيرة الأزهار
Be: Гарошак буйнакветны
Bg: Едроцветна глушина
Cs: Vikev velkokvětá
Da: Storblomstret vikke
Nl: Grote wikke
Fr: Vesce à grandes fleurs
De: Großblütige Wicke
It: Veccia farfallona
Lv: Lielziedu vīķis
Pl: Wyka brudnożółta
Ru: Горошек крупноцветковый
Es: Velecvetna grašica
Sv: Storvicker

Synonyms

• Vicia lutea (Pall. ex M.Bieb.)
• Cujunia grandiflora var. rotundata (Alef.)
• Cujunia grandiflora var. sordida (Alef.)
• Vicia grandiflora subsp. sordida ((Alef.) Dostál)
• Vicia grandiflora var. sordida ((Alef.) Eichler)
• Vicia hungarica (Heuff.)
• Vicia grandiflora var. incisa (A.Braun & C.D.Bouché)
• Vicia grandiflora var. villosa (Regel)
• Vicia grandiflora var. scopoliana (W.D.J.Koch)
• Vicia grandiflora var. biebersteiniana (W.D.J.Koch)
• Vicia grandiflora var. kitaibeliana (W.D.J.Koch)
• Vicia serrata (Pant.)
• Cujunia grandiflora ((Scop.) Alef.)
• Vicia sordida (Waldst. & Kit.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by kotiuk оlga (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Velickovic Darija (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Velickovic Darija (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Bogdan Nesic (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Velickovic Darija (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 20, 2022 by Stefana Popova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Frozy

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Jess (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by Martin Scheidegger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Tristana Michel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Antonija Šimunić (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Neidr Xenia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by danchy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Barry (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by B Galgia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Anna Rogalska-Bućko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2010 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Rupert Lorenzer (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524790-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2974901)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia grandiflora Scop.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.9

Ph minimum: 6.0