Wood bitter vetch (Vicia orobus, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 5: 577 (1815))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 5: 577 (1815)

Year: 1815

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vicia

Vegetable: False

Observations: NW. & W. Europe

Description

Wood bitter vetch, scientifically known as Vicia orobus, is a species that finds its origins and prominent growth in the northwestern and western regions of Europe. Belonging to the family Fabaceae, this plant was meticulously documented in the early 19th century by renowned botanists J.B.A.M. de Lamarck and A.P. de Candolle in the third edition of “Flora Française” in 1815.

The wood bitter vetch is notable for its adaptability to the temperate climates of Europe, where it typically thrives in woodland edges and open habitats. As a member of the legume family, it plays a significant role in its ecosystem by fixing nitrogen in the soil, which improves soil fertility and benefits surrounding plant life.

The plant exhibits a characteristic vining habit, with slender stems and compound leaves composed of multiple leaflets. During its blooming period, it showcases clusters of small, yet quite eye-catching flowers that range in color from pale pink to purple. These blossoms attract various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions.

Overall, Vicia orobus is a species that not only enhances the landscapes of Northwestern and Western Europe with its presence but also supports ecological health through its symbiotic relationships within its habitat. Its enduring study by botanists reflects the importance of this leguminous plant both in historical botanical literature and current environmental contexts.

Common Names

Deu: heide-wicke
Dan: lyng-vikke
Swe: ljungvicker, nummivirna
Fin: nummivirna
Nno: vestlandsvikke
Nob: vestlandsvikke
Eng: wood bitter vetch, upright vetch, wood bitter-vetch
Cym: chwerbys y coed, ffacbys chwerw, ffacbysen chwerw, pys y garanod, pys y maes, pysen y coed, pysen yr aran
En: Wood bitter vetch, Upright Vetch, Wood Bitter-vetch
Da: Lyng-Vikke
Nl: Heidewikke
Fi: Nummivirna
Fr: Vesce des landes, Orobe des landes, Vesce orobe
De: Heide-Wicke, Rankenlose Wicke
It: Veccia orobo
Nb: Vestlandsvikke
Nn: Vestlandsvikke
Sv: Ljungvicker, Nummivirna
Cy: Ffacbysen chwerw, Chwerbys y Coed, Ffacbys Chwerw, Pys y Garanod, Pys y Maes, Pysen y Coed, Pysen yr Aran

Synonyms

• Vicia cassubica var. orobus ((DC.) Dumort.)
• Orobus aristatus (Lapeyr.)
• Ervum orobus ((DC.) Kitt.)
• Vicia cassubica subsp. orobus ((DC.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Vicilla orobus ((DC.) Schur)
• Orobus sylvaticus var. simplicifolius (Gray)
• Orobus sylvaticus (L.)
• Vicia aristata (Dulac)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Norway (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Matteo Ginetti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Axelle Barry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 27, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 14, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Catherine MAHYEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

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

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

Other

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

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

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:525007-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2975152)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia orobus DC.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4