Vicia sativa

Our common vetch (Vicia sativa) is in flower. It’s a scrambling plant and you’ll find it among tall grasses, holding itself upright with the tendrils that grow from the tip of its leaf stalks. Its bright pink flowers attract all kinds of invertebrates.

While it is believed to have originated in the Middle East, common vetch is now naturalised throughout the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica and the Arctic. It has been part of the human diet since prehistoric times and we have carried it everywhere we settled.

Burnt remains of common vetch seed have been found at predynastic sites in ancient Egypt and neolithic sites in eastern Europe. It is generally thought that the Romans brought it here, to the UK, almost two thousand years ago.

Some of our most common wildflowers have long and fascinating associations with human society; keep your eye out and you camera ready for Vicia sativa.