Also known as, “Winter vetch” or “Woolypod vetch”.
Flowers April to May.
Adapted to sandy soils in fields, waste places, and along roadsides.
Forms large, sprawling mats and does well in drought conditions.
Readily grazed by livestock and browsed by deer, turkey, and other wildlife.
The seeds are poisonous to cattle, causing symptoms resembling rabies, i.e. bellowing and seizures. This tends to be observed more often in black cattle. Excessive consumption of the foliage can cause some skin problems in all cattle.
Hairy vetch is a desirable, nutritious forage and should continue to be used as such. However, cattle grazing vetch should be monitored frequently.
