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			British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide             
                   
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                               American 
                                Vetch(Vicia americana)
  
                         
                          American 
                            Vetch is a climbing perennial is a member of the pea 
                            family and can grow from 15-100 cm. tall, often the 
                            stems are tangled    
                        
                       
                         
                           
                             
                               
                                8-18 opposite leaves, each about 3.5 cm. long  
                          forked tendrils at the tip 
                          the narrow leaflets can be hairy or smooth 
                          
                           
                             
                              there 
                                are small, toothed appendages at the base of the 
                                stalk   
                         
                           
                             
                              American 
                                Vetch flowers are bluish or reddish purple  
                               
                          pea-like  
                          
                         
                          up to 2 cm. long  
                          
                          
                          in clusters of 3 to 9 at the end of the stem  
                          
                         
                         
                           
                             
                              American 
                                Vetch pods grow up to 3 cm. long   
                         
                           
                             
                              American 
                                Vetch grows in low to mid elevations   
                          very widespread and common  
                          
                         
                          open or mixed forests, fields, clearings  
                          
                         
                         
                           
                             
                               
                                American Vetch is often confused with the peavine 
                                  
                          seeds of several varieties can be toxic  |  |