How much sun does Cow Vetch need?

Cow Vetch grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cow Vetch bloom?

Cow Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Cow Vetch native?

Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) is native to CA, CT, IA, IL and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Cow Vetch toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cow Vetch as toxic to livestock.

Is Cow Vetch HOA-friendly?

Cow Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cow Vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vicia cracca

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cow Vetch as toxic to livestock.

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Cow Vetch need?: Cow Vetch grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cow Vetch bloom?: Cow Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Cow Vetch native?: Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) is native to CA, CT, IA, IL and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Cow Vetch toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cow Vetch as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Cow Vetch attract?: Cow Vetch draws bees.
Is Cow Vetch HOA-friendly?: Cow Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Cow Vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz