Common names: hairy vetch, woollypod vetch, Russian vetch, smooth vetch, winter vetch

Scientific names: Vicia villosa (V. dasycarpa)

Seasons of significant use: spring, fall (for Vicia spp. complex)

Characteristics: Introduced, annual (sometimes biennial or perennial) cool season forb. Stems decumbent, ascending, twining, or climbing, to 6.0 feet, ranging from glabrous to spreading-hairy; leaves alternate, pinnately compound, usually with 10-20 leaflets, usually terminating in branched or unbranched tendrils; leaflets ranging from glabrous to villous; inflorescence a raceme, usually 5-60 flowered; fruit is a relatively short, fat dehiscent pod. Flowers April-August.

Plant community type: In open areas. Often occurs along roadsides, ditches, etc.

Comments: Sometimes interseeded into warm season pastures to provide some early cool season forage. Reseeds under proper management.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family