Purple Vetch

Vicia benghalensis, Fabaceae

Zones

7–10

Layer

Ground Cover

Lifespan

Annual

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverMulch Maker

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Alpine CurrantRibes alpinum

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Chinese Box BlueberryVaccinium delavayi

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Intermediate WheatgrassThinopyrum intermedium

Nitrogen Fixation

Fuchsia-flowered GooseberryRibes speciosum

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Prickly SesbanSesbania bispinosa

Both aggressive legumes compete for nodulation sites and soil nutrients

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationQuick Ground CoverBiomass ProductionWinter Cover

Edible Parts

LeavesSeeds

Common Questions

What zones does Purple Vetch grow in?

Purple Vetch grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10.

Is Purple Vetch a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Purple Vetch is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Purple Vetch?

Good companions for Purple Vetch include Alpine Currant, Chinese Box Blueberry, Intermediate Wheatgrass, Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry.

Design guilds with Purple Vetch and see companion relationships visually.

Try PatternBase free