Carolina Vetch

Vicia caroliniana

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vicia
Species:
Vicia caroliniana

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr, may, jun
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink, Blue

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Parectopa occulta, Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
moderate moisture
Notes:
prefers forested areas with organic matter

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Mechanical scarification

Establishment: Plant growth is slow and no seed has been set in the field. The plant is commonly found in shady, cool, rich woods and thickets. It can be collected from New York and southern Ontario to Minnesota, south to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Source: npn.rngr.net