Origin and Common Names
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and has been introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species. The plant is known by a variety of common names including cow vetch, bird vetch, tufted vetch, blue vetch, and hairy vetch.Appearance
Cow vetch is a climbing or trailing plant that can grow up to 2 meters in length. The plant has pinnate leaves composed of 8-12 pairs of linear leaflets that are about 1-3 cm long. Its stems are typically hairy and slender, while the flowers are small, bluish-purple, and appear in clusters of 10-20. The plant's fruit is a pod that is oblong in shape and filled with several brown, kidney-shaped seeds.Uses
Cow vetch has several uses, both historically and currently. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, expectorant, and purgative properties. The leaves and seeds of the plant have also been used as a food source for both humans and livestock. Cow vetch is also used in agriculture as a cover crop to improve soil quality and as a forage crop for livestock. Additionally, the plant is commonly used in landscaping and flower arrangements due to its attractive blooms. However, it should be noted that cow vetch is an invasive species in North America and can cause ecological damage by displacing native flora.Light Requirements
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is a plant that is adapted to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In areas with extreme heat, it may require some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent wilting and drying out.
Temperature Requirements
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It prefers cool weather and can grow in temperatures as low as -34°C. However, temperatures above 30°C can cause damage to the plant, so planting in hot climates may not be ideal.
Soil Requirements
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, loam, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, the plant may not be able to absorb nutrients properly, which can affect its growth and development.
Cultivation methods
When cultivating Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca, it's essential to choose a location that offers adequate sunlight and well-drained soil. This plant's growth is best in areas with a moderate climate and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be sown in the early spring, about 1 cm deep, and 5-10 cm apart, ensuring that the soil is well-prepared beforehand. After germination, the plant requires adequate watering regularly.
Watering needs
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca requires moderate watering. It thrives in moist soil, and therefore, it's essential to ensure that the plant receives regular watering. However, it's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to the plant's root rot. It's best to water the plant in the morning or evening and avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca thrives in soil rich in nitrogen. Therefore, it's crucial to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer regularly, especially during the growing season. A good example is a granular N-P-K fertilizer, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's best to apply the fertilizer to the soil, avoiding contact with the foliage or stems.
Pruning
Pruning Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is not mandatory, but it can improve the plant's appearance and promote new growth. The best time to prune is during the late fall or early spring before the new growth appears. It's best to remove any damaged or diseased foliage, stems, or branches using a sterilized pruning tool. Additionally, you can trim the plant down to a few inches above the soil surface to promote new growth.
Propagation Methods for Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca, commonly known as cow vetch or bird vetch, is a perennial legume plant that can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most commonly used propagation method for Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in the spring or fall. However, the seed viability is short, so it is best to sow within a few months of harvesting to ensure higher germination rates. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ? to ¼ inch and should be kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 7 to 10 days.
Cutting Propagation
Another propagation method that can be used for Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the spring or early summer, and a rooting hormone can be applied to the cut ends before planting in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca can also be propagated through division. This method involves lifting the entire plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. The divided plants can be replanted in well-drained soil in the spring or fall and should be watered regularly until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca
Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca, commonly known as Bird Vetch, is a leguminous plant that grows up to 2m in height. Despite its hardiness, Bird Vetch may still be susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases of Vicia cracca
One of the most common diseases of Vicia cracca is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, as well as providing good air circulation. Additionally, one can apply a fungicide on the plant.
Vicia cracca is also susceptible to root rot, which occurs when the plant roots are overwatered. This fungus can lead to wilting, yellowing leaves, and death. To manage root rot, one can minimize watering, improve soil drainage, and carefully avoid causing damage to the plant while weeding.
Common Pests of Vicia cracca
Aphids are one of the most common pests that affect Vicia cracca. These small insects can cause distortion of leaves and stunted growth. Spray the plant with water to remove aphids. Additionally, one can apply insecticidal soap to the plant to get rid of them.
Spider mites can also be a problem for Vicia cracca. They appear as tiny red or brown dots on the underside of the leaves. These mites suck the sap from the leaves, leading to discoloration and death of plant tissues. To manage spider mites, one can remove infested leaves or apply insecticidal soap.
It is important to note that the use of pesticides can harm beneficial insects that are needed for pollination. Therefore, it is recommended to use pesticides as a last resort in managing pests and diseases of Vicia cracca.
