Vetch

Vicia gigantea

vineView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Size

3–7ft tall

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Seeds and immature pods cooked; traditional Indigenous food source

Native Range

Northern California Coast Ranges and interior valleys from Mendocino County to Sacramento County, below 2000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Giant Vetch in full sun to part shade in a location that mimics its native habitat - it thrives in disturbed or recently disturbed soil. Space plants according to their mature height of 3 to 7 feet, giving them room to sprawl. Fall is an ideal planting time for this California native perennial, allowing roots to establish over winter.

After Planting

Giant Vetch is a perennial that will return year after year once established. Since this is a native plant adapted to California's conditions, monitor it during its first season and reduce supplemental water as it matures and establishes. Expect dormancy during dry months, which is normal behavior for this species.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Pylades DuskywingCecropterus pylades

California listed as Threatened

CA: Threatened

Silvery blue butterflyGlaucopsyche lygdamus

California Threatened; Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported