Winter tares

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Vicia sativa leucosperma Common name: Winter tares Family: Leguminosae Author: Ser. Botanical references: 74 Synonyms: Known Hazards: There is some evidence that the seed may be toxic but this has only been shown under laboratory conditions, there are no recorded cases of poisoning by this plant in Britain[76]. Range: Britain. Habitat: Hedges and grassy places, avoiding acid soils or shady positions[17]. Plants For A Future Rating (1-5): 3

Other Possible Synonyms: From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below. V. leucosperma[G] V. sativa subsp. sativa[G] V. sativa var. leucosperma[G] V. sativa var. obovata[G] Epithets: From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets sativa = cultivated;

Physical Characteristics Annual Climber growing to 1.2m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. We rate it 3 out of 5 for usefulness.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats and Possible Locations Cultivated Beds. Edible Uses Leaves; Seed; Tea. Seed - cooked[22, 74]. Not very palatable nor very digestible but it is very nutritious[2, 115]. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flour to make bread, biscuits, cakes etc[183]. The beans compliment the protein in the cereal making it more complete[K]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Leaves, young shoots and young pods - cooked[105, 177, 183].

The leaves are a tea substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses Disclaimer None known

Other Uses Green manure. A very valuable green manure crop, it can be sown in spring or as late as October. A deep rooted and fast growing plant, it is winter hardy, an effective weed suppresser, produces a good bulk and fixes a large amount of nitrogen[87].

Cultivation details Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade[200].

This sub-species is the form usually grown for food[74].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Propagation Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow in situ from late winter to early summer and again in the autumn.