Herb: Bitter Vetch


Latin name: Vicia ervilia


Synonyms: Ervum ervilia


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Bitter Vetch:

Seed - cooked. Used as a lentil, it is occasionally eaten in soups. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Disturbed ground.

Propagation of Bitter Vetch:

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

Cultivation of the herb:

Disturbed ground.

Medicinal use of Bitter Vetch:

None known

Known hazards of Vicia ervilia:

One report says that the seed might be poisonous.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.