New Report of Vicia grandiflora Scop. in Korea

We have discovered Vicia grandiflora Scop., a newly invasive alien species in Baekun-ri, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. This species is native to regions from Central and Southeast Europe to Central Asia and Iran and is reported as an invasive species in North America and Japan. This species is similar to the Vicia sativa complex (V. sativa subsp. sativa, V. sativa subsp. nigra) but can be readily distinguished by the undivided ovate to semi-hastate stipules of the upper leaves, yellowish petals, large size of its flower, and elongated hilum. In the field, V. grandiflora grows in disturbed sites near cultivated land, suggesting that their seeds are typically transported by vehicles along with fertilizer or livestock feed. Here, we present the morphological description, photographs, and sites of V. grandiflora growth, which will be useful in guiding the management of this invasive alien plant.