Crown Vetch
Coronilla varia
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Coronilla varia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to November, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry grassy places, railway embankments, roadsides etc.
Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant, used either fresh or dried is a cardiotonic. It should be used with extreme caution, see the notes above on toxicity. A decoction of the bark has been used as an emetic. The crushed plant has been rubbed on rheumatic joints and cramps.
Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 3
Can be used as an insecticide. No more details are given. A good ground cover and soil stabilizer for sunny banks and slopes. It grows rampantly and should not be grown with plants less than 1.8 metres tall.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Erosion control, Ground cover. Prefers an open well-drained calcareous soil in a sunny position. Tolerates poor soils. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 7.2. A food plant for the caterpillars of many lepidoptera species. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Invasive, Naturalizing.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe. The seed usually germinates in the autumn. Stored seed can be pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown in situ in April. Cuttings of half-ripe shoots with a heel, June/July in a frame. Can also be taken in spring. Division in March. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The whole plant contains a toxic glycoside called coronillin. It is one of the most toxic plants growing in Britain.