Crown Vetch
Coronilla variafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 3C8A — Coronilla varia
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IOverview
Overview
Crown Vetch, scientifically known as Coronilla varia, is a perennial plant native to Austria and has been introduced to many regions across Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Greece. This hardy species thrives in full sun and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Crown Vetch is valued for its ornamental use, featuring attractive purple flowers that make it a popular choice in landscaping. The plant is also edible, adding versatility to its applications. Its ability to tolerate both dry and moist conditions, along with its fast growth and nitrogen-fixing properties, makes it suitable for erosion control and ground cover. Crown Vetch is hardy in zones 4-9, making it a reliable choice for temperate regions. While it is generally safe, caution should be exercised when handling the plant due to its potential for rapid spread.
Quick answers
What is Crown Vetch?
Crown Vetch, scientifically known as Coronilla varia, is a perennial plant native to Austria and has been introduced to many regions across Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Greece.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crown Vetch thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, though it can adapt to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types. It is hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-9, making it suitable for gardens in these areas. Crown Vetch requires dry to moist conditions and can tolerate drought once established. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or divide established plants in spring or fall. Regular pruning can help maintain its compact size of up to 0.3 meters.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crown Vetch for the first time
8steps
Crown Vetch is a low-maintenance perennial that's perfect for beginners looking to add some hardiness and beauty to their garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure full sun exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the ground or plant small plants at a spacing of about 30-45 cm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when the soil is dry, prune in spring to maintain shape, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Pest controloilErosion controlGround coverNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 66 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 66 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 29 native· 66 introduced
Europe35 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (20)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia9 regions
native (4)IranIraqTurkeyTurkmenistan
introduced (5)IranIraqSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Dominican Republic
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Baltic States, California, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Idaho, Illinois, Irkutsk, Kentucky, Lebanon-Syria, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Oregon, Primorye, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Tennessee, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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