Tufted vetch
Vicia cracca
Family: Fabaceae
Fire effect on plant
Fire likely topkills tufted vetch but buds below the ground can survive.
Key traits
Tufted vetch as a strong resprouting response to fire from buds on root systems (Aarssen et al, 1986).
Each plant produces a copious amount of seeds. Seeds remain viable for a number of years, and large seed banks are common. Seeds are large and not easily dispersed (Densmore et al, 2001).
The germination of tufted vetch seeds may be stimulated by heat (Ruprecht et al, 2016).
Plant response to fire
Tufted vetch is likely to benefit from fire if it helps maintain high light levels and reduces competition.
Timing of life history
Perennial species. Seeds likely produced from second growing season. Flowering June to August.
Conservation status
None.
References
Aarssen, L. W., I. V. Hall & K. I. N. Jensen. 1986. The biology of Canadian weeds 76. Vicia angustifolia, Vicia cracca, Vicia sativa, Vicia tetrasperma, and Vicia villosa. Canadian J. Plant Science. 66(3):711-738 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Densmore, R.V., P.C. McKee, C. Roland. 2001. Exotic plants in Alaskan National Park Units. Report on file with the National Park Service – Alaska Region, Anchorage, Alaska. 143 pp. [Empirical evidence; Grey literature]
Ruprecht, E., Lukács, K., Domokos, P., Kuhn, T. and Fenesi, A. (2016), Hydration status influences seed fire tolerance in temperate European herbaceous species. Plant Biol J, 18: 295-300 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]