Etymology: Vicia: the classical Latin name for this genus
Plants: Erect to drooping, often climbing, annual, up to 40” long forb
Leaves: pinnately-divided into 4-8 pairs of oblong leaflets, leaf tips with tendrils
Flowers: purple, 5-parted, 1" long, style tip hairy on the outer side only; inflorescence of 1 or usually a pair of nearly stalkless flowers from the upper leaf axils; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: flattened, light brown pod with 4-12 seeds
Habitat: moderate moisture; disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - escaped

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.