Winter Vetch (Vicia villosa)

Vicia villosa has two subspecies, V. villosa subsp. varia (Winter Vetch or Smooth Vetch) and V. villosa subsp. villosa (Winter Vetch or Hairy Vetch). I think this plant is V. villosa subsp. varia. Winter Vetch has red, purple or pink flowers.

A patch along the roadside.

A closer view.

Leaf arrangement with tendrils.

Flower clusters just beginning to develop.

A little further along.

Further along still.

Fully developed.

Close up

Even closer.

Vicia villosa is native to Europe. Both Vicia villosa subspecies grows throughout the United States and Canada. Vicia villosa ssp. villosa (Winter Vetch) grows more widely than Vicia villosa subsp. varia (Winter Vetch).
Click on an image to view a larger image Distribution Map:
United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database:
- Vicia villosa subsp. varia (Winter Vetch)
- Vicia villosa ssp. villosa (Winter Vetch)
University of North Carolina Herbarium: Vicia villosa

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Winter Vetch (Vicia villosa)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Vicia villosa ssp. varia (Smooth Vetch, Winter Vetch)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index
- Common Vetch (Vicia sativa)