[6] Taxonomists recognize two subspecies and a few varieties:[3][6] This relatively common annual legume species can reach from 30 to 60 centimetres of height.

[3] Vicia grandiflora has typical bilaterally symmetrical[4] papilionaceous flower, that consists of banner, keel and wing, with petals being yellow.

[5] After time flowers lose their bright yellow colour and sometimes fade to pale lavender shade.

[1] The species can be found in Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, as well as United Kingdom.

In North America it is mostly restricted to east and southeastern states of USA,[4] in some parts being also an invasive species.

[7] Vicia grandiflora usually grows in a diverse collection of different habitats, which also include some anthropologically modified urban areas.