Cow Vetch
Vicia cracca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CT, IA, IL and 16 more states
Pollinators
bees
Cow vetch is a climbing perennial vine that produces clusters of purple-blue pea-like flowers from May through July. This legume can spread aggressively through underground rhizomes and self-seeding, making it better suited for naturalized areas than formal landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cow Vetch takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreader that can become weedy
- Climbing habit may look unkempt without support
- Can overwhelm nearby plants
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its extended bloom period. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Cow Vetch fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.