Shrubby scorpion-vetch (Coronilla valentina, Sp. Pl.: 742 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 742 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Coronilla

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit.

Description

Shrubby scorpion-vetch, also scientifically known as Coronilla valentina, belongs to the family Fabaceae, a large and economically important family of flowering plants commonly referred to as the legume, pea, or bean family. Classified first by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant is notable for its Mediterranean origins.

This hardy shrub is typically found thriving in the Mediterranean region, where it has adapted to the climate and soil conditions. The shrubby scorpion-vetch is appreciated for its ornamental value, featuring lush green foliage and vibrant clusters of yellow flowers that bloom primarily in the spring. These cheerful blooms not only add aesthetic appeal but are also known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an integral part of the local ecology.

The plant’s branches are slender and can become woody with age, supporting dense greenery that enables it to function effectively as a cover plant or in hedgerows. It typically reaches a modest height, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a larger landscaped area.

In terms of care, Coronilla valentina is relatively undemanding. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought once established, reflecting its Mediterranean origins. Though it favors sunny positions, it is also capable of growing in partial shade. This resilience and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce a low-maintenance yet striking plant into their garden.

Moreover, the shrubby scorpion-vetch plays a role in enriching the soil due to its membership in the Fabaceae family, known for their ability to fix nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with bacteria in their root nodules. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in sustainable gardening practices, where soil health and fertility are paramount.

In summary, the shrubby scorpion-vetch (Coronilla valentina) is a charming and practical addition to Mediterranean gardens and beyond. Its ease of care, ecological benefits, and visual appeal ensure it remains a favored plant among gardeners and environmental enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: mediterranean crownvetch, shrubby scorpion-vetch, mediterranean crown vetch
Spa: pascoínhas
Cym: ffacbysen sgorpion
En: Shrubby scorpion-vetch, Mediterranean crownvetch, Mediterranean Crown Vetch
Ar: إكيليل فالنتيني
Fi: Helonivelvirna
Fr: Coronille de Valence
It: Cornetta di Valenza
Ru: Вязель валенсийский
Es: Pascoínhas
Cy: Ffacbysen sgorpion

Synonyms

• Ornithopus valentinus ((L.) Hornem.)
• Coronilla suaveolens (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 1, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Michelle Goudail (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2018 by Anthony Barraco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Jean-René Girardeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 29, 2021 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Alexandre Parel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2019 by johan ducros (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by pascal fichant (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Chris Deres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Melvin Rabaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Clément Tisseuil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Camchou (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 16, 2018 by montse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Joan Francesc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5348633)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:487280-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Coronilla valentina L.)

Specifications

Growth