Vicia gigantea

This native pea-relative is a climbing perennial with delicate, arching clusters of magenta flowers. Leaves are dense rows of narrow leaflets culminating in tendrils that help it vine over shrubs, fences or up trellises. With its slender but vigorous stems, giant vetch can spread or climb 3 to 7 feet. This species has a primarily coastal range from San Luis Obispo up to Alaska and does best in temperate or moist areas with moderate water. Grows in full sun but prefers part shade inland. Its rich reddish-purple blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators, and roots fix nitrogen in the soil. A host for a number of butterfly and moth species that use plants in the pea family.