Common Australian Garden Weeds

Vicia sativa var. angustifolia

Scientific name: Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.


Habit of narrow-leaved vetch (Vicia sativa var. angustifolia) trailing over grass.


The pinkish-purple, pea-shaped flowers of narrow-leaved vetch.


Pinnate leaves of narrow-leaved vetch.


Fruit pods of narrow-leaved vetch.

Synonyms: Vicia angustifolia L.

Common names: Narrow-leaved vetch

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: 

Native of Europe.

Habit:

Annual herb with sprawling or climbing stems with tendrils extending from the tips of the compound leaves.

Habitat:

A weed of lawn or garden areas and pastures.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Stems vary from being moderately hairy to hairless.  Leaves are compound with 4-8 paired narrow leaflets 1-4 x 02-0.4 cm and tendril at the ends.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are pink to reddish purple pea flowers 1-1.8 cm long, borne singly or in pairs or threes on short stalks.  Flowering occurs from late winter to spring.  Pods are 2-5 x 0.3-0.6 cm in size and turn black when mature.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Annual sprawling or climbing pea plant with compound leaves with 4-8 pairs of narrow leaflets and tendrils extending from the tips. The flowers are pea-like and pink to reddish purple in colour (1-3 per cluster).  Pods are black and 2.5 cm in length.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.