American Vetch - Vicia americana
Railroad Canyon, Black Range, New Mexico
May 2014
There are many pea-like plants in the Black Range. One of those, Vicia americana, American Vetch or Purple Vetch, is common in much of the “lower 48” of the United States. On the BONAP map to the right, light green indicates that the species is native to, and common within, the county indicated. This species is also found in much of Canada and Alaska.
Scientific synonyms for this species include V. caespitosa, V. dissitfolia, V. linearis, V. oregana, and V. sparsifolia.
The specimen shown below was collected as part of the U.S. Exploring Expedition under the command of Wilkes.
