American Vetch

American Vetch (Vice americana) is a hardy, nitrogen-fixing, perennial legume native to North America. Vice americana is a vine-like plant with slender stems that can grow 1-3 feet long, using tendrils to latch onto surrounding vegetation for support. American Vetch grows best in well-drained soils but it has been known to tolerate a wide variety of soils like sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

General Description:

American Vetch (Vice americana) is a hardy, nitrogen-fixing, perennial legume native to North America. Vice americana is a vine-like plant with slender stems that can grow 1-3 feet long, using tendrils to latch onto surrounding vegetation for support. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 6-12 pairs of narrow, lance-shaped leaflets with tips that bear tendrils for climbing. American Vetch forms a purple to bluish-violet pea-like flower found in clusters of 1-6 flowers on long stalks. The flower normally blooms late spring to summer depending on region. Vice americana produces small, pod-like legumes containing 4-6 seeds. These pods will turn brown when mature.

Uses:

American Vetch helps with nitrogen fixation, and is a valuable forage for deer, elk, and other grazing animals. This vetch is commonly used for relegation and restoration or ornamental purposes.

Planting Conditions:

Vice americana grows best in well-drained soils but it has been known to tolerate a wide variety of soils like sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The ideal pH is between 6.0-7.5. American Vetch does well in moist to moderately dry areas but is not suited for very arid conditions without added water. Vetch tolerates partial shade to full sun conditions making it a great choice for open woodlands, prairies and meadows.

It survives in drier conditions(12-20 inches), especially when established in sandy or loamy soils with occasional rain and snowmelt. In these regions it benefits best when put in a seed mix with other drought-tolerant varieties. In these areas supplemental water or irrigation might be required unless it’s planted in highly favorable conditions like north-facing slopes or areas with retained soil moisture.

In areas that are moderately to high precipitation (20-40 inches), is ideal for robust growth. This supports the plants ability to fix nitrogen and provide forage.

Establishment:

It is best to plant in early spring (after the last frost) or late fall when night temperatures are freezing and day temperatures are around 50 degrees to ensure soil temperatures are below the germinating temperatures. Before planting minimize competition by removing weeds. After seeds are planted and have begun to grow protect seedling from heavy grazing until plants are well-established (4-6 inches tall)

Fall planting is the best time to plant due to the hard seed shell American Vetch has. By planting in the fall is provides a natural scarification process.

When planting in the spring time to improve germination gently rub the seeds with sandpaper or soak them in warm water (not boiling) for 24 hours prior to planting.

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth. Established plants are drought-tolerant but may require occasional water during prolonged dry periods.

If desired we do provide an inoculant that can be added to the seeds before planting. EXCEED® Superior Inoculant

Seeding Rate:

Broadcast Seeding: 10-15 lbs per acre or Drilled Seeding: 8-10 lbs per acre

**Don’t plant deeper than a 1/4-1/2 inch