Cow vetch is in the family Fabaceae and similar to a pea in growth habit with climbing stems growing to 150 cm long, perennial,[1] sending out noose-like branched tendrils from the tips of its leaves when it contacts another plant and securely fastens itself.

Vicia cracca is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to large areas of North America.

Its utility as a cover crop and source of green manure has encouraged the introduction and naturalisation of cow vetch far beyond its native range.

In North America the plant is naturalised from southern Canada to upstate South Carolina; it is considered an invasive weed in some areas and its sale may be regulated[citation needed].

This is especially a concern in prairie and other natural habitat restoration or land reclamation projects in North America.