Herbs annual. Stems erect, stout, 3–7 dm. Leaves 3–8 cm; tendrils simple on proximal leaves, branched on distal leaves; stipules foliose, approaching leaflets in size, semicordate, with nectariferous patch abaxially; leaflets 2–6, blades obovate to elliptic, 30–60 × 20–35 mm, margins rarely serrate, apex obtuse, surfaces sparsely pubescent. Inflorescences 1–4-flowered, to 1 cm, much shorter than subtending leaf rachis. Flowers 15–30 mm; calyx base symmetric, lobes unequal, to 2 times as long as tube; corolla purple, drying black, banner stenonychioid, blade subequal to claw, glabrous; style compressed abaxially, pubescent apically, tufted abaxially. Legumes black, linear, 30–70 × 10–15 mm, oblique-tipped, glabrous, sutures with pustulate-based bristles; stipe absent. Seeds 4–6, pur­plish violet to black, subglobose or compressed-globose, 5–6 mm diam.; hilum whitish, short, oblong, encircling 1/8 circumference of seed. 2n = 14.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–May.
Habitat: Disturbed areas.
Elevation: 0–500 m.

Distribution

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Introduced; D.C., Md., N.Y., Europe, introduced also in Africa.

Discussion

Vicia narbonensis is cultivated as a forage crop and is locally established in the flora area.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.