This introduced legume is one of the best cover crops for green manure. Hairy vetch can be both an annual or short-lived perennial, and produces abundant amounts of biomass. Adapts well to most climates and soil types, but doesn’t like poorly drained sites. Excellent nitrogen-fixing abilities and weed suppresser. It can also be used as a component in pastures and wildlife food plots, but should not be a primary forage due to toxicity risk in cattle and horses. Hairy vetch is fairly drought tolerant and can be planted in areas that receive at least 18 inches of annual precipitation.
Scientific name: Vicia villosa