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Giant vetch

Vicia gigantea

Last reviewed: October 2026

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

Giant vetch (Vicia gigantea)
Photo: (c) Emily, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Giant vetch (Vicia gigantea) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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A robust, climbing perennial vine with compound leaves and dense spikes of maroon-purple flowers. It scrambles over shrubs and thickets along coastal bluffs and streambanks using tendrils.

Growing Giant vetch

Grow Giant vetch in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its flowers are visited by bumble bees, and hummingbirds occasionally feed at the blossoms.

Common questions

How much sun does Giant vetch need?
Giant vetch grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Giant vetch bloom?
Giant vetch blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Giant vetch native?
Giant vetch (Vicia gigantea) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Giant vetch attract?
Giant vetch draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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