Summary ³

Securigera varia (synonym Coronilla varia), commonly known as crownvetch or purple crown vetch, is a low-growing legume vine. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and is commonly used throughout the United States and Canada for erosion control, roadside planting and soil rehabilitation. It has become an invasive species in many states of the US.

Description ⁴

Family:
Fabaceae (Pea)

Height:
1 to 2 feet

Leaves:
Divided, feather-like, with 15-25 oblong leaflets

Flower:
Dense round clusters of pink to white flowers on long stalks extending from the leaf axils

Bloom time:
May-September

Nicknames:
Purple Crownvetch

Habitat:
Prairies, disturbed areas, roadsides

Can I plant this in my garden?
No, crown vetch is a widespread, aggressive, non-native plant that can outcompete native species. Management options include treatment with glyphosate in open areas, or hand pulling as much of the plant as possible and treating the remainder with clopyralid.

References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/crown-vetch

Range ⁴

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Jerry Oldenettel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7457894@N04/2768375538
2. (c) Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, all rights reserved, uploaded by Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District
3. Adapted by Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securigera_varia
4. (c) Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

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