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Hairy Vetch
Hairy Vetch botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Hairy Vetch

Vicia villosa
In the United States: Naturalized · also called hairy vetch, winter vetch

Honeybees forage on hairy vetch for high-quality nectar and pollen, contributing to surplus honey production during its bloom period. Peak bloom occurs in late spring to early summer, offering valuable early-season support for colonies. As a cover crop, it can spread aggressively and become invasive in some areas, requiring management to prevent unwanted establishment.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) May–August
Hardiness zones4-9
Duration~30 days
TypePerennial
Sunfull

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