Barn Vetch

Vicia monantha

Native to:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Greece, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vicia
Species:
Vicia monantha
USDA Symbol:
VIMO80

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet, white

Wildlife Benefits

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions with seasonal rainfall

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
10–21 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may benefit from brief cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI