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Crown Vetch

Coronilla variafam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleperennialdrought tolerantedibleedible leafground covernitrogen fixerperennial
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Coronilla varia (Crown Vetch) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3C8A — Coronilla varia
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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.

Compare with:Acacia colei→Acacia pycnantha→Acacia retinodes→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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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. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small plants, a trowel, mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure full sun exposure.

  4. 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. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water only when the soil is dry, prune in spring to maintain shape, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to prune regularly.

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Edible & utility

Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Pest controloilErosion controlGround coverNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

29 native · 66 introduced
Distribution 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
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Coronilla varia (Crown Vetch) — botanical photograph
Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
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About this entry

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