How much sun does Black vetch need?

Black vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Black vetch bloom?

Black vetch blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Black vetch native?

Black vetch (Vicia nigricans) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Black vetch host?

Black vetch is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Black vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vicia nigricans

Last reviewed: October 2026

Black vetch (Vicia nigricans) is a perennial vine native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Black vetch (Vicia nigricans) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–96" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bumble bees, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A vigorous, sprawling to climbing perennial vine with compound leaves ending in tendrils and clusters of purple pea-like flowers, scrambling over shrubs and fences along coastal bluffs and forest edges.

Growing Black vetch

Grow Black vetch in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 96 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery blue.

Nectar for bumble bees, and foliage is a larval host for silvery blue butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Black vetch need?: Black vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Black vetch bloom?: Black vetch blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Black vetch native?: Black vetch (Vicia nigricans) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Black vetch host?: Black vetch is a larval host plant for silvery blue.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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