Sainfoin vetch (Vicia onobrychioides, Sp. Pl.: 735 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 735 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vicia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. & S. Europe, NW. Africa

Description

Sainfoin vetch, scientifically known as Vicia onobrychioides, is a remarkable leguminous plant that forms part of the Fabaceae family. Native to Southern and Central Europe as well as Northwestern Africa, this species thrives in a variety of climates and terrains across these regions.

With its striking, attractive flowers and intricate foliage, Sainfoin vetch is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its agricultural and ecological benefits. The plant displays a profusion of delicate, typically purple flowers that can add a splash of color to any landscape. This vibrant bloom period is particularly appreciated in the warmer months, creating a picturesque natural setting.

Sainfoin vetch plays a vital role in soil improvement and sustainable agriculture. Like many members of the Fabaceae family, it engages in a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This biological interaction enriches the soil with nitrogen, thereby facilitating the growth of surrounding plants and enhancing soil fertility. This makes Vicia onobrychioides a beneficial component in crop rotation and companion planting strategies, contributing to healthier and more productive agricultural practices.

Moreover, Sainfoin vetch is well-regarded for its forage value. The plant’s foliage provides nourishing feed for livestock, which is particularly advantageous for farmers in regions where the plant is prevalent. Its robust growth and nutrient-rich leaves offer a reliable source of fodder, aligning with sustainable farming and feeding programs.

In summary, Vicia onobrychioides, with its vibrant presence and multifaceted benefits, stands as a symbol of both natural beauty and agricultural utility. Its role in soil enhancement, livestock nourishment, and ecological balance highlights the importance of this species within its native habitats and beyond.

Common Names

Est: esparsett-hiirehernes
Swe: esparsettvicker
Ces: vikev vi
Cat: vícia onobriquioide
En: Sainfoin vetch
Ca: Vícia onobriquioide, Vicía onobriquioide
Cs: Vikev vi
Et: Esparsett-hiirehernes
Fr: Vesce fausse esparcette, Vesce faux sainfoin
De: Esparsetten-Wicke
It: Veccia astra-galina, Veccia astragalina
Es: Esparceta falsa, Garrandas
Sv: Esparsettvicker

Synonyms

• Vicia onobrychioides subsp. alborosea (Dobignard)
• Vicia punctata (Schleich. ex Pers.)
• Abacosa onobrychioides ((L.) Alef.)
• Vicia onobrychioides var. angustissima (Ser.)
• Vicia onobrychioides var. alborosea ((Dobignard) Dobignard)
• Vicia violacea (Dulac)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 3, 2021 by Pozzan Dario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by ORDUÑA Jose Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Peteh Natali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2018 by Mélissa Gallien (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Paul Fabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2018 by fayot (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by de Juana Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Pauline LEFORT (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Martine MARTHOURET ROBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2974863)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:525000-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia onobrychioides L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 6