Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) is a leguminous plant species native to the United Kingdom and is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is widely distributed across the UK and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, meadows, hedgerows, and arable fields.

Common Vetch has moderate nutrient requirements and thrives in well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It is often encountered in sunny or partially shaded locations, where it forms dense patches of foliage and clusters of small, purple flowers.

In its natural habitat, Common Vetch serves as a valuable food source for various herbivores, including insects, birds, and small mammals, which feed on its nutritious foliage and seeds. However, its bitter-tasting leaves and potentially toxic compounds provide some defence against excessive predation.

As an annual or biennial plant, Common Vetch completes its life cycle within one or two years. In the first year, it typically forms a low-growing rosette of compound leaves close to the ground. In the second year, it sends up flowering stems adorned with clusters of pea-like flowers.

Culturally, Common Vetch has limited significance in the UK beyond its role as a common wildflower and forage crop in agricultural systems. While not widely referenced in literature or folklore, it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of British landscapes.