Wednesday 21 February 2024

Common Vetch

Common Vetch (Vicia sativa, 救荒野豌豆).

Some vetch plants along the river are already in flower. This common weed is still used as animal fodder in some parts of China. The leaves can be eaten by people as well (they were part of some prehistoric diets); its purple flowers and stems without long hairs distinguish it from more toxic species of vicia.

Common Vetch by the Xiang River