Crown Vetch—Coronilla varia
Originally planted for erosion control, crown vetch is a perennial herb, now commonly found along roads and streams, and in open fields, pastures, and waste areas.
Plants spread from rhizomes up to 10 feet long, forming a dense cover.
Creeping stems grow 2 to 6 feet long. Leaves are dark green and composed of 15-25 pairs of oblong leaflets.
Flowers form in clusters on long stalks, are pinkish-lavender to white and bloom May to August.
Click on images to view full-size
Identification and Control Information
- Fact Sheet with Description and Control Methods (PDF) —Invasive Plant Species Assessment Working Group
- Fact Sheet with Description and Management Options (PDF) —USDA Forest Service
- Fact Sheet with Description and Management Options (PDF) —Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Crown Vetch—Coronilla varia (PDF) —Pensylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
More Information
- Weeds and Your Garden brochure (PDF) —New York State IPM Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Weed Management in the Home Garden (PDF) —Iowa State University Extension
[Photos, left to right: Richard Old, XID services; Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com; Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com]