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 Albania. This hardy species thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It is known for its ornamental value and is often used in landscaping due to its attractive purple flowers. Crown Vetch is also edible, making it a versatile plant with both aesthetic and culinary uses. Its adaptability to different moisture levels—ranging from dry to moist—makes it suitable for various garden settings.
Quick answers
What is Crown Vetch?
Crown Vetch, scientifically known as Coronilla varia, is a perennial plant native to Austria and Albania. This hardy species thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crown Vetch thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light to heavy soil types and is hardy in zones 4-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial grows to a height of about 0.3 meters and requires moderate watering; overwatering should be avoided as the plant prefers well-drained soils. For propagation, division or seed sowing can be used effectively.
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 · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe16 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (1)Ukraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)IranIraqTurkeyTurkmenistan
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia, Turkey-in-Europe, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus
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
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3c8a9bf1-ad4b-4bb9-8c0d-1dcaf21ec259
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