Vicia lutea, commonly known as Yellow Vetch or Smooth Yellow Vetch, is an annual herb that is native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, roadsides, and open woodlands across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). The plant features compound leaves with several pairs of oblong or linear leaflets, each measuring 0 to 1 inch long, and it produces bright yellow, pea-like flowers in the late spring and early summer that are moderately showy. After flowering, it may form slender, elongated seed pods.

Yellow Vetch is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which can improve soil fertility, making it useful in agricultural settings as a cover crop. It is also used in wildflower mixes for its cheerful yellow blooms. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. However, gardeners should be cautious as Vicia lutea can become invasive outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and adaptability to various environments. It is recommended to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0