crownvetch
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Coronilla varia
Other Common Names:
purple crownvetch
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Coronilla varia
Habit
Crown vetch has been grown extensively in the northern two-thirds of the United States for temporary ground cover, erosion control, and as a green fertilizer crop. It is also used as a bank stabilizer along roads and waterways. This plant prefers open, sunny areas. It occurs along roadsides and other rights-of-way, in open fields and on gravel bars along streams.
Leaves
The plants compound leaves with an odd number of leaflets ranging from 15-25. Leaves and flower stalks arise from the main stem. It does not have tendrils at the end of the leaf stem; instead, it has another leaf to cap it or "crown" it. Leaves are hairless, alternate, 6-20 mm long, 3-12 mm wide, and stalks are up to 1.2 mm long. Leaves are pinnately compound.
Identifying Characteristics
It has a crown leaf, is hairless, and globular flowers. It is tolerant to drought and can withstand waterlogging.
Flower Seed Head
Flower clusters range in color from pinkish-lavender to white, occur in umbels on long, extended stalks, and bloom from May through August. Flowers produce long, narrow pods containing slender seeds.
Seed Fruit
The four-angled legume is from 1.5-5.5 cm long. It has from three to seven one-seeded segments. Seeds resemble hairy vetch but have a lighter colored rachis.
Where Found
The natural distribution of crown vetch is Europe, southwest Asia and northern Africa. It is introduced or naturalized in the United States from Maine to South Dakota, south to Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. It is widespread in Missouri, having been extensively planted on rights-of-way along the interstate highway system.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle,
quarter
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
pink
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Vine