The differences between Vicia cracca and Vicia villosa consist in the first place in their strong-arm appearing and ontogeny characteristics . As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I have had the opportunity to work with both of these plants and can apportion my personal experiences and observation .
1 . Size and Shape : Vicia cracca , commonly know as tufted vetch , has a relatively tumid streamer or received flower petal compare to other part of the heyday . This give it a more squared off appearance from the side . On the other handwriting , Vicia villosa , also known as hairy vetch , has a proportionately small streamer , which give it a recollective and minute profile . The banner in Vicia villosa is not as visually outstanding as in Vicia cracca .
2 . Leaf Characteristics : The leaves of Vicia cracca are pinnated , meaning they are separate into leaflets arranged on either side of the radical . These leaflets are typically oval or fishgig - shaped with a pointed tip . In equivalence , Vicia villosa has compound folio that are composed of multiple brochure . The booklet of Vicia villosa are small and more narrow compare to those of Vicia cracca .
3 . Growth Habit : Vicia cracca is a repeated plant , meaning it live for more than two years . It forms sprawl stanch that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and tend to mount or skin over other plants for support . In contrast , Vicia villosa is an annual or on occasion two-year plant . It grows in an vertical way , with stem that can reach a superlative of around 1 time . Vicia villosa does not typically parade climbing leaning .
4 . Flower Color and Arrangement : Both Vicia cracca and Vicia villosa produce clusters of colorful flowers , but there are some differences in their visual aspect . The flower of Vicia cracca are typically purple or blue in color , at times with hints of pink or bloodless . They are format in loose clump at the top of the bow . On the other deal , Vicia villosa raise efflorescence that are usually white or wan pink . The peak are also constellate at the top of the stem but may appear more densely jammed liken to Vicia cracca .
5 . Usage and welfare : Both Vicia cracca and Vicia villosa have agricultural and ecological benefit . Vicia cracca is often used as a forage crop for livestock and can contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil . It is known to appeal pollinators and can be utilized in wildlife - well-disposed garden . Vicia villosa , on the other hand , is in the main used as a cover crop in farming system . It help bottle up weeds , improves stain fertility , and can be utilized as a green manure .
To summarize , Vicia cracca and Vicia villosa differ in their size of it and shape , leaf characteristics , emergence habit , peak color and arrangement , as well as their usance and welfare . These note make them alone in their show and suitability for various determination in gardening , landscaping , and agrarian practices .
Caroline Bates
