Foothills, montane, subalpine. Woodlands, meadows. Summer.
Bear Creek Trail, June 14, 2005.

The incredibly rich hues of lavender/purple and the numerous flowers make this common pea quite noticeable even though individual flowers are small.  Hairiness and leaf shape are highly variable.  Vicia americana is found in mountain meadows in the Four Corners area, usually wrapping its tendrils around other plants for support.  It is a common plant in much of the United States and southern Canada.

Linnaeus named this genus in 1753, and Gotthiff Muhlenberg (1753-1815) named this species in 1801.  The name "Vetch" is applied to members of several genera of the Pea Family.  "Vicia" is the classical Latin name for this plant.

Foothills, montane, subalpine. Woodlands, meadows. Summer.
Colorado Trail above Roaring Fork Road, June 29, 2006.

Grasses at trailside are often alive with the vibrancy of Vicia Americana.

Foothills, montane, subalpine. Woodlands, meadows. Summer.
Bear Creek Trail, June 14, 2005.

Foothills, montane, subalpine. Woodlands, meadows. Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, August 30, 2007.