Silver Vetch (Vicia incana)

Silver Vetch

Vicia incana

Silvery foliage glows in sun, a low-growing groundcover with delicate pea-like blooms. Herbaceous perennial; common name: silver vetch.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry, sunny slopes and rock gardens
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Watering Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands hot, dry summers in temperate Mediterranean climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-grey pinnate leaves covered in dense, soft hairs to reduce water loss
  • Flower: Pea-like purple to pale pink blooms in small axillary clusters
  • Stem: Slender, ascending stems with fine silvery pubescence
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil moderately moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to boost soil calcium levels without causing odor or pest issues
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding if desired
  • Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Trim back dead foliage in late winter to encourage fresh new growth in spring
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for rock gardens; nitrogen-fixing plant to improve soil fertility