slender vetch

Vicia ludoviciana

Its seed pods act like tiny catapults; when dry, they twist open explosively to fling seeds away from the parent plant.

Scientific name: Vicia ludoviciana
Taxonomy: Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Fabales › Fabaceae › Vicia
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Prairies, open pastures, grassy roadsides, and open woodlands.
Diet: Autotrophic (Photosynthesis, obtains nitrogen via root nodules).
Range: United States, Mexico
Size: Climbing stems up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length.
Lifespan: 1 year (Annual)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Mowing before seed set, heavy herbicide application, and urban sprawl.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. This delicate wildflower is safe to touch and admire. To protect local ecosystems, avoid trampling the vines and do not forage unless permitted. If skin irritation occurs due to pollen, wash with soap and water.

Vicia ludoviciana , also known by its common name slender vetch is a species from the genus Vicia .

Photo: Alex Abair, CC-BY, via iNaturalist