hairy vetch
Vicia villosa                        

Identifying Characteristics:

Seed:     round with a 3 to 5 mm diameter; dark brown to black in color with dark hilum; smooth, dull seed coat

Seedling:    pinnately compound leaf; terminal tendril; pointed stipules; varying degrees of pubescence

Mature Plant: prostrate growth habit; 20 to 30 violet and white flowers closely clustered on long racemes; long peduncles; compressed, elongated pod

Method of Propagation: seed

Life Cycle: cool-season annual

Similar Species:  common vetch – the seed of hairy vetch will have a dark hilum versus the light hilum of common vetch, larger and more flowers per peduncle on hairy vetch

References: Abaye, A. Ozzie. "Identification & Adaption: Common Grasses, Legumes & Non-leguminous Forbs of the Eastern United States."