Carolina vetch (Vicia caroliniana) is a flowering perennial native to the eastern United States. It is a typical representative of the Legume family, featuring a typical compound leaf and attractive, pollinator-friendly white flower clusters. One might say that carolina vetch looks like a miniature herbaceous version of its woody cousin, the Black locust tree.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Vicia caroliniana (common name Carolina vetch, or Carolina wood vetch), is a plant found in North America.
Carolina vetch reaches a stature of roughly 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and flourishes in dry soils.
The stem of carolina vetch is a distinctive feature, being hollow, hairy, and slightly winged. It is relatively slim, measuring approximately 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) in diameter. The fine hairs covering the stem give it a slightly rough texture, while the slight winging or ridges help in identification. The color of the stem is typically green, providing a sharp contrast to the surrounding foliage. Its structure supports the plant’s climbing or spreading habit, often found twining around support structures.
The leaves of carolina vetch are pinnately compound and alternate, each leaf composed of multiple leaflets arranged along a central axis. They have an entire margin, meaning the edges are smooth and unnotched. The underside of the leaves is covered in fine hairs, giving a slightly fuzzy texture. The leaflets are typically 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, bright green on the top surface, and paler underneath. Vein patterns are clear, with a main vein and smaller secondary veins.
The flowers of carolina vetch are light pinkish-white and pea-like, blooming in the spring. Each flower measures approximately 0.4 to 0.5 inches (10 to 13 mm) in length. They possess a typical legume structure with a banner, wings, and a keel arrangement. The petals are delicately clustered, forming a compact, visually striking display. The flowers are not notably fragrant, appealing primarily through their subtle color and unique shape. They bloom in clusters, enhancing their visual impact in the springtime landscape.
II. How to Grow and Care
Carolina vetch is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in environments mimicking its natural habitat. Key care needs include ensuring well-draining soil and providing partial to full sunlight exposure. Special care points involve monitoring for adequate moisture levels without overwatering and being cautious of frost, as carolina vetch may not tolerate extreme cold conditions well.
Sunlight
Carolina vetch thrives best under full sun conditions, which involves receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure optimizes photosynthetic activity, crucial for robust growth and health. Despite a preference for bright light, carolina vetch exhibits tolerance for partial sun, making it adaptable to light variations. Under less than ideal light, it can experience reduced vigor and flowering potential. Outdoors, carolina vetch should be planted in locations where daylight is abundant. It does not have unique characteristics for light adaptation like leaf adjustments but maintains overall resilience within its tolerance range.
Temperature
The most common species of Vicia is Common Vetch(Vicia sativa). This will thrive easily in temperate regions and will survive frost. However, temperatures below 0 ℃ will kill off carolina vetch seedlings, so be sure to sow or plant after the last spring frost. A temperature range of 15 to 25 ℃ is optimal for germination and a range of 10 to 35 ℃ can be tolerated during growth phases. In cold weather, Common Vetch(Vicia sativa) will grow very slowly but will survive provide temperatures are not freezing.
American Vetch(Vicia americana) grows more quickly in colder weather whilst Hairy Vetch(Vicia villosa) grows the slowest of the three. Cultivars such as ‘Williamette’ and species such as Vicia amphicarpa are known to tolerate temperatures lower than those tolerated by Vicia Sativa and will possibly survive some freezing.
Watering
Carolina vetch is a plant that thrives in moderately humid environments, showing an affinity for consistent moisture. Originating from areas with regular rainfall, it has adapted to absorb water efficiently. The watering needs of this plant can be met by watering every week. As an outdoor-growing species, carolina vetch performs best when planted in well-draining soil to mimic its natural habitat’s conditions.
Soil
Carolina vetch prefers moist but well-drained soil. Most Vicia species prefer chalky, calcareous soils or clay soils and will also grow in loose, sandy soils.
Fertilizing
To foster vigorous growth and robust health, Carolina vetch thrives best when nourished with balanced nutrition fertilizers, ideally ones with equal NPK ratios. Apply a quarter recommended strength bi-weekly during the growing season for optimal results. Benefits include promoting lusher foliage and aiding nitrogen-fixation. During dormancy in winter, cease fertilization. Use caution to avoid over-fertilization, potentially leading to nutrient burn. Adjust as needed for soil fertility, with less frequency in nutrient-rich soils. Periodically check for signs of deficiency or excess to tailor the feeding regimen for carolina vetch.
Planting Instructions
If planting from seed, pre-soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water before sowing. Before sowing, any clods in the soil should be broken up and any coarse material pushed to the edges. Sowing carolina vetch should be fairly easy due to the large size of the seeds and can be sown to a depth of 5 cm.
As the seedlings grow, it is a good idea to provide structural support to carolina vetch either through the positioning of other, stronger plants, with canes and trellises or by planting the carolina vetch near or in hedgerows. This will help carolina vetch to grow tall and strong.
Pruning
Carolina vetch is a climber so it can engulf other plants if not kept in check. Regular pruning will ensure they remain compact and avoid unwanted spread.
Propagation
Carolina vetch is effectively propagated through sowing its seeds, which should be ideally done in well-draining soil. Success relies on planting at a depth where the seed remains in contact with moist soil yet is not so deep that it cannot break through the surface. Ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging, and provide a sheltered growing environment to protect the early growth stages from harsh conditions. Gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions improves transplant success for seedlings.
Transplanting
To foster robust growth in carolina vetch, the golden window for transplanting is from mid to late spring, a time when soil warms and stable weather supports root establishment. Choose a site with well-draining soil and partial shade. Gentle handling during the process is key to success.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Cherokee use this plant for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is used for back pains, local pains, to toughen muscles, for muscular cramps, twitching and is rubbed on stomach cramps. They also use a compound for rheumatism, for an affliction called “blacks”, and it is taken for wind before a ball game. An infusion is used for muscle pain, in that it is rubbed on scratches made over the location of the pain. An infusion is also taken as an emetic. It is also used internally with Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium ssp. obtusifolium for rheumatism.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Not all Vicia plants are edible. If growing Vicia for their seeds and pods for eating, you should consult a professional before purchasing seeds or seedlings. The beans should be picked when just a few of the beans at the base of the plant have taken full shape. However, care should be taken to ensure that beans are picked before those maturing at the bottom first become prone to rot. This will ensure the highest quality beans.
