such as budgerigars often use cow vetch as a nutritious food; the birds are especially fond of the seeds but may also eat the foliage. 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. Cow vetch can be a potentially detrimental species in areas where it is not native. The vetch may crowd out native plants, especially in areas of disturbed soil where the vetch may dominate before other plants have a chance to take hold. This is especially a concern in prairie and other natural habitat restoration or land reclamation projects in North America. References External links Jepson Manual Treatment USDA Plants Profile Washington Burke Museum Photo gallery cracca Flora of Europe Forages Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus