Is common vetch a weed?
Description. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is a trailing winter annual weed that forms large mats of vegetation. It is common to waste areas and roadsides. The leaves of common vetch are very narrow, alternately arranged and compound.
What is vetch good for?
A poultice of the leaves has been used to treat spider bites, an infusion of the plant has been used as eyewash and an infusion of the tops has been used as a wash in sweat houses. American vetch has also been used as a panacea, an aphrodisiac, and a good luck charm.
Is common vetch toxic?
The vetches grown as forage are generally toxic to non-ruminants (such as humans), at least if eaten in quantity. Cattle and horses have been poisoned by V. villosa and V. benghalensis, two species that contain canavanine in their seeds.
Can humans eat common vetch?
Most of the plant is edible and some species actually taste decent. Common vetch is one of the better ones. The young shoots are edible raw, but better cooked. Vetch is a pretty good potherb, if you go for the younger leaves.
How do you control vetch weed?
Spray. Seed and Surpass + glyphosate are registered for controlling weeds prior to planting vetch. There is a 7 – 10 day plant back period restraint following a Surpass application. A range of herbicides were screened for use with vetch crops.
How do you get rid of vetch weed?
If this weed has invaded your landscape, use a digging tool to remove as much of the root system as possible. Remove as much of the weed as possible before seed production begins. There are post-emergent herbicides labeled for control in the lawn and landscape beds.
Is vetch a nitrogen fixer?
Hairy vetch fixes large amounts of nitrogen (N) that help meet N needs of the following crop, protects soil from erosion, helps improve soil tilth, and provides weed control during its vigorous growth in the spring and when left as a dead mulch at the soil surface. Hairy vetch can also be grazed or harvested as forage.
Can you eat vetch pods?
The seed pods are edible (much like peas or beans) and although rarely eaten now, there is evidence to suggest ancient people commonly cultivated them for food. Like other legumes, it is very high in protein. It has been used medicinally to treat eczema and skin irritations.
Are vetch seeds poisonous?
The seeds are toxic and must be treated as red kidney beans and pressure cooked and processed before consumption.
What kills common vetch?
Control common vetch with a post-emergent two-, three-, and four-way broadleaf herbicide. Herbicides containing triclopyr and clopyralid, as well as fluroxypyr products are efficient herbicide controls.
What herbicide kills vetch?
2,4-D, triclopyr and Clopyralid are three chemicals that are effective against crown vetch without harming grass. Just wait until the grass is up and mowed a few times before applying herbicides. Another alternative is the “sucker-punch” approach.