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American Deervetch

Vicia americana

vine View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Soil

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Size

1–1ft tall

Bloom

Mar-May

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Widespread in northern and central California in grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed areas, sea level to 8000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant American Deervetch in full sun to part shade in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage - avoid clay soils, which this plant won't tolerate. Spring is your best planting window to take advantage of the growing season before summer. Space plants to accommodate their climbing habit and spreading rhizomes, and give them a support structure or let them sprawl as a groundcover in a location where they can spread without crowding other plants.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then taper off as it develops its deep taproot system - American Deervetch is quite drought-tolerant once established and thrives in both dry and moist conditions. The plant will go dormant in winter as a perennial forb, so don't be alarmed when it dies back seasonally. The #1 mistake is overwatering after the first year or planting in heavy clay soil, both of which can kill this otherwise tough native.

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