Fourleaf Vetch

Vicia acutifolia

Native to:
Bahamas, Cuba, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vicia
Species:
Vicia acutifolia
USDA Symbol:
VIAC3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, lavender, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; benefits from periodic disturbance typical of grassland and savanna habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers fertile soils in its native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Cold stratification may help break dormancy.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI