Herb: Purple Vetch


Latin name: Vicia benghalensis


Synonyms: Vicia atropurpurea


Family: Leguminosae



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual/Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of Purple Vetch:

Field margins, waste places etc in Britain.

Other uses of the herb:

A good green manure plant, it is fairly fast growing, an effective weed suppresser, fixes nitrogen and makes a reasonable bulk. A turquoise-green dye is obtained from the flowers.

Propagation of Purple Vetch:

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

Cultivation of the herb:

Field margins, waste places etc in Britain.

Medicinal use of Purple Vetch:

None known

Known hazards of Vicia benghalensis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.