spring vetch
VU

spring vetch

Vicia lathyroides

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicia_lathyroides

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Spring vetch faces severe decline due to agricultural intensification and the widespread use of herbicides that eliminate this small annual legume from crop margins and field edges. Habitat fragmentation from urban development has isolated remaining populations, while changes in traditional farming practices have reduced the availability of suitable disturbed ground where this species historically thrived. The conversion of mixed farming systems to intensive monocultures has particularly impacted this species across its European range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Spring vetch occupies sandy soils in coastal dunes, field margins, waste ground, and disturbed areas including roadsides and railway embankments. This small annual legume particularly favors well-drained, nutrient-poor soils in open, sunny locations where competition from larger plants is limited.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Galactia rotundata

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Frequently asked questions

Why is spring vetch classified as Vulnerable?
spring vetch is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Spring vetch faces severe decline due to agricultural intensification and the widespread use of herbicides that eliminate this small annual legume from crop margins and field edges. Habitat fragmentation from urban development has isolated remaining populations, while changes in traditional farming practices have reduced the availability of suitable disturbed ground where this species historically thrived. The conversion of mixed farming systems to intensive monocultures has particularly impacted this species across its European range.
Where does spring vetch live?
spring vetch occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to spring vetch?
The main threats to spring vetch are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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