Vicia basaltica
Vicia basaltica
Basalt vetch
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Description
Basalt vetch is a delicate, cool-season vetch from the Levant’s basaltic steppes. With twining tendrils and violet pea-flowers, it fixes nitrogen, draws pollinators, and suits naturalistic meadows or rock gardens.
Common Names
Basalt vetch
Context
nativeRegion
Basaltic steppe and rocky slopes of the Levant, especially southern Syria and northern Jordan.
usdaZones
7–10 (grown as a cool-season annual elsewhere).
companionPlants
Trifolium spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Stipa capensis, Artemisia herba-alba, Avena spp.
culturalUses
Primarily ecological—soil improvement via nitrogen fixation and support for pollinators; noted in regional flora studies.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun; light afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringModerate; keep evenly moist in active growth and let the topsoil dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established.
SoilWell-drained loam or gritty mix, neutral to alkaline (pH 6.5–8). Tolerates clay over basalt; avoid waterlogged conditions.
FertilizerLow feeder; inoculate seed with Rhizobium. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; use a light, balanced feed only if growth stalls.
HumidityLow to moderate; prefers dry air and good airflow.
TemperatureBest 5–20°C (41–68°F). Tolerates light frost; heat above ~30°C (86°F) ends flowering.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClimbing/rambling annual legume with tendrils; can sprawl or use light supports.
Mature SizeVines 30–100 cm long; 15–40 cm high when unsupported.
Growth RateFast in cool weather.
BloomingSpring (typically March–May) with violet to purple pea-flowers.
DormancySummer dormancy as seed after pod set; may self-seed in suitable sites.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (direct sow), Seed (pre-soaked and rhizobial inoculated)
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonAutumn in mild-winter climates; early spring in colder regions
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal; pinch or trim for tidier growth and to manage spread. Deadhead to limit self-seeding.
RepottingNot commonly container-grown; if in pots, resow each cool season and refresh substrate.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, pea weevils, and powdery mildew; root rot in poorly drained soils. Provide airflow and avoid overwatering.
ToxicitySeeds and foliage of many Vicia species can be harmful to pets and livestock if eaten in quantity; avoid ingestion.
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