Common vetch (Vicia satvia)
- This is not as abundant as its name suggests. It has delicate pinky purple flowers visible from April to September. They have been described as “tiny violet-coloured butterflies”.
- There is some growing on the Cowbar Lane bund this year (2022).
- It is a scrambling plant growing in grassy or waste places and farmland.
- Common vetch is a member of the legume family, which includes Broad beans, Garden peas and pulses. The seed pods are edible and archaeologists have found evidence to suggest that ancient people used to eat Common vetch. It is very high in protein.
- Common vetch has been used medicinally to treat eczema and skin irritations.
- It is also called Garden Vetch and Winter Tares. Local names include Twaddgers (Yorkshire), Gipsy Peas (Ireland), Wild Fitch (Cumbria).
