Vicia nipponica

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Vicia nipponica
Light:Full Sun Part Shade
Moisture:Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Self Pollinated
Height:2'
Native to:
Nitrogen Fixer
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Vicia nipponica

Propagation: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade[1].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].

Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat: Grows all over Japan[2].

Edibility: Young leaves - cooked[3].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
  3. Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.