Hairy Vetch

Photographed near sunset, during golden hour, in the Sonoma Valley, Hairy Vetch, Vicia villosa is a common vineyard cover crop. When used in tandem with grape vines, this legume generates a habitat for positive pollinators, contributes nutrients to the soil to produce wine grapes, and prevents erosion. However, due to Hairy Vetch spreading beyond its viticultural uses, it is considered invasive and was growing outside of its vineyard application in this photograph. The light, late that day in May, presents this simple cover crop as the captivatingly delicate flowers they are. It is essential to highlight every aspect of the natural world, including invasive and non-native flora.