Tufted vetch is one of Finland’s better-known Pea family plants, and one of the most common meadow species.
As a native it grew on Finnish sea-shores at least, and possibly along the banks of waterways.
The coastal form often stands out from its relatives that grow close to people as it is more densely haired and has brighter colored flowers.
Tufted vetch’s limp stem climbs towards the light by leaning and supporting itself on other vegetation. On top of the leaves are tendrils,
mid-ribbed prehensile organs, which support the stem. When they sense a solid surface, growth stops at the point of contact and accelerates on the other side,
so the tendril curves and eventually curls around the object and the plant continues climbing in this fashion towards the light.