Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Fabales - Family: Fabaceae
Also known as Upright Vetch, this wildflower is fairly widespread throughout the UK except for the far north. In Ireland it is only found in some western parts.
There are no tendrils at the ends of the leaves of this self-supporting vetch, but rather the leaf stems end in short points.
Wood Bitter-vetch is an early summer flower, blooming in May and June. There are many other kinds of vetches that you can find beside rivers and lakes and in hedgerows.
The plant on this page was photographed in West Wales in June.
We hope that you have found this information helpful. If so we are sure you would find our books Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, vols 1 to 4, by Sue Parker and Pat O'Reilly very useful too. Buy copies here...