medicinal herbs
American Vetch
Vicia americana

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: American Vetch

Latin name: Vicia americana

Family: Leguminosae

Medicinal use of American Vetch:

The leaves have been rubbed in the hands and applied to spider bites. An infusion of the crushed leaves have been used as a bath for treating soreness. An infusion of the plant has been used as an eyewash. An infusion of the leaves has been used by women as a love medicine.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Damp or gravelly slopes, thickets and meadows.

Edible parts of American Vetch:

Young shoots - cooked. The tender seeds are eaten by the N. American Indians. Both the mature seeds and the immature seedpods can be used. The pod is about 3cm long and contains 4 - 7 seeds.

Other uses of the herb:

The stout roots have been used for tying.

Propagation of American Vetch:

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Damp or gravelly slopes, thickets and meadows.

Known hazards of Vicia americana:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.