Fava Bean

Vicia faba

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
purple, white

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata), Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), Small Mocis Moth (Mocis latipes), Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with high organic matter