NC State Extension Publications

Description

Skip to Description

Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is a trailing winter annual weed that forms large mats of vegetation. It is common to waste areas and roadsides. The leaves of common vetch are very narrow, alternately arranged and compound. Tendrils form on the ends of the leaves. Long stems arise from fibrous roots, and flowers are purple. Late in the season after the flowers drop, seed pods form.

Cultural Control

Skip to Cultural Control

Winter annual broadleaf weeds germinate in the fall or winter and grow during any warm weather, which may occur in the winter, but otherwise remain somewhat dormant during the winter. They resume growth and produce seed in the spring and die as temperatures increase in late spring and early summer. They quickly invade thin turf areas especially where there is good soil moisture. Shade may also encourage growth. Many have a prostrate growth habit and are not affected by mowing. A dense, vigorous turf is the best way to reduce the encroachment of winter annual weeds. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

Species Data

Skip to Species Data
Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 1. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 2. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 3. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 4. Common vetch growth habit.

Common Vvtch growth habit.

Figure 5. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 6. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch growth habit.

Figure 7. Common vetch growth habit.

Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Figure 8. Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Figure 9. Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Figure 10. Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Figure 11. Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Figure 12. Common vetch leaf arrangement.

Common vetch root type.

Figure 13. Common vetch root type.

Common vetch root type.

Figure 14. Common vetch root type.

Common vetch flower color.

Figure 15. Common vetch flower color.

Common vetch flower color.

Figure 16. Common vetch flower color.

Common vetch flower color.

Figure 17. Common vetch flower color.

Common vetch flower color.

Figure 18. Common vetch flower color.

Common vetch flower color.

Figure 19. Common vetch flower color.

Author

Extension Specialist (Turfgrass/Forage Crop Weed Mgt)
Crop & Soil Sciences

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Publication date: Nov. 27, 2017

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.