Purple Crownvetch
Coronilla varia
Formerly Securigera varia · also Astragalus glaucoides
Also known as Crown Vetch, Common Crownvetch
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A low-growing legume with delicate pink and purple flowers that bloom throughout summer. Excellent groundcover or erosion control plant with minimal maintenance needs once established.
Why grow it
Purple crownvetch is a nitrogen-fixing legume that establishes readily on marginal soils and slopes where many other groundcovers struggle. Compared to other erosion-control legumes, it offers extended bloom period and relatively low fertility requirements once established. Its shallow root system makes it suitable for situations where deep-rooting plants would be problematic, though this same trait means it competes less aggressively with nearby perennials than some alternatives.
Watch out for
In areas outside its invasive range, monitor spread patterns in the first few seasons, as establishment vigor can vary widely with soil type and moisture. The plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading or mowing before seed set may be necessary if containment matters for your site. Performance tends to decline noticeably in heavy clay or poorly drained soils despite its general hardiness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing legume with delicate pink and purple flowers that bloom throughout summer. Excellent groundcover or erosion control plant with minimal maintenance needs once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Purple Crownvetch grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Purple crownvetch is a nitrogen-fixing legume that establishes readily on marginal soils and slopes where many other groundcovers struggle. Compared to other erosion-control legumes, it offers extended bloom period and relatively low fertility requirements once established. Its shallow root system makes it suitable for situations where deep-rooting plants would be problematic, though this same trait means it competes less aggressively with nearby perennials than some alternatives.
Watch out for
In areas outside its invasive range, monitor spread patterns in the first few seasons, as establishment vigor can vary widely with soil type and moisture. The plant self-seeds readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading or mowing before seed set may be necessary if containment matters for your site. Performance tends to decline noticeably in heavy clay or poorly drained soils despite its general hardiness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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