Download UAA Natural Heritage Program, Weed Ranking Project (PDF)

Non-Native Plant Species of Alaska
Bird vetch
Vicia cracca L.
Synonyms: None
Other common names: None
Family: Fabaceae
Description
Bird vetch is a climbing plant with weak stems that
cling to structures, with coiling tendrils at the end of
each leaf. Leaves have 8-10 pairs of narrow leaflets.
The bluish-violet flowers are borne on a one-sided,
many-flowered raceme. It has narrow, lanceolate
pods (Hultén 1968).
There are a number of other climbing, blue-flowered
legumes in Alaska. However, bird vetch is
identifiable by lacking a winged or villous (long, soft
hairs) stem, having entire stipules, and possessing a
many-flowered, 1-sided inflorescence.
Ecological Impact
Impact on community composition, structure, and
interactions: The plant can overgrow herbaceous
vegetation and climb over shrubs, such as alder and
willow. It has a symbiotic relationship with certain
soil bacteria (Rhizobium). It is highly palatable to
grazing and browsing animals. Flowers are visited by
native bees and may alter pollination ecology of the
surrounding area (Aarssen et al. 1986, Klebesadel
1980).
Impact on ecosystem process: Bird vetch alters
edaphic conditions due to fixation of atmospheric
nitrogen.
Biology and Invasive Potential
Reproductive potential: Bird vetch is a perennial that
reproduces from copious amounts of seed. This
species does not have the ability to resprout after
cutting. Seeds are viable for number of years and
large seed banks are common.
Role of disturbance in establishment: It establishes in
disturbed grassy areas and along roadsides.
Potential for long-distance dispersal: Seeds are large
and not easily dispersed. However, seeds may be
carried in the tangled vegetation clinging to
maintenance equipment (Densmore et al. 2001).
Potential to be spread by human activity: Bird vetch
is used as a cover and forage crop and frequently
escapes from cultivation. Additionally, it can be
introduced with topsoil (Densmore et al. 2001).
Growth requirements: This species is adapted to all
soil textures, pH levels 4.9-7. It is highly CACO3,
drought, and fire tolerant. It has intermediate shade
tolerance and no cold-stratification is required. Bird
vetch withstands temperatures to -33°F and requires
110 frost-free days for successful reproduction
(USDA 2002). This species has moderately porous
summer vegetation, and no coppice potential.
Cogeneric weed: Vicia benghalensis L. V. disperma
DC., V. hirsuta (l.) S.F. Gray, V. lathyroides L., V.
pannonica Crantz, V. sativa L., V. tetrasperma (L.)
Schreber, V. villosa Roth. (Hultén 1968, USDA 2002,
Whitson et al. 2000).
Listing: Vicia cracca is listed as noxious-weed seed
in Alaska (Group B) (Alaska Administrative Code
1987).
Distribution and Abundance
Bird vetch was introduced in Alaska as a forage crop
in Fairbanks and Palmer, and has spread relatively
slowly from these centers. It is found in waste places,
in old fields, and along roadsides.
Native and current distribution: Originally native to
Europe, it now ranges from Alaska and British
Columbia south and east across Canada to
Newfoundland, south to Georgia and Alabama.
Management
This species is very difficult to eradicate once
established.
South Coastal
Interior- Boreal
Arctic-Alpine
Collection Site
Distribution of bird vetch in Alaska
References:
Aarssen, L.W., I.V. Hall, K.I.N. Jensen. 1986. The
biology of Canadian weeds. 76. Vicia
angustifolia L., V. cracca L., V. sativa L., V.
tetrasperma (L.) Schreb. and V. villosa Roth.
Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 66
(3):711-737.
Alaska Administrative Code. Title 11, Chapter 34.
1987. Alaska Department of Natural
Resources. Division of Agriculture.
Densmore, R.V., P.C. McKee, C. Roland. 2001.
Exotic plants in Alaskan National Park Units.
Report on file with the National Park Service
– Alaska Region, Anchorage, Alaska. 143
pp.
Hultén, E. 1968. Flora of Alaska and Neighboring
Territories. Stanford University Press,
Stanford, CA. 1008 pp.
Klebesadel, L.J. 1980. Birdvetch. Forage crop,
ground cover, ornamental, or weed?
Agroborealis. January/1980: 46-49.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture),
NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation
Service). 2002. The PLANTS Database,
Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National
Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 708744490 USA.
Whitson, T.D., L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W.
Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, R. Parker.
2000. Weeds of the West. The Western
Society of Weed Science in cooperation with
the Western United States Land Grant
Universities, Cooperative Extension
Services. University of Wyoming. Laramie,
Wyoming. 630 pp.
Alaska Natural Heritage Program
Environment and Natural Resources Institute
University of Alaska Anchorage
707 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone (907) 257-2780 Fax (907) 257-2789
Last Updated August 18, 2006