Trailing crown-vetch (Securigera varia, Svensk Bot. Tidskr. 83: 693 (1989))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) Lassen

Bibliography: Svensk Bot. Tidskr. 83: 693 (1989)

Year: 1989

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Securigera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Unknown

Description

Trailing crown-vetch, scientifically known as Securigera varia, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This hardy species originates from Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other regions, where it is often employed for erosion control and as a ground cover due to its sprawling nature and ability to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions.

The plant typically features sprawling, vine-like stems that can extend several feet, creating a dense mat of foliage. Its compound leaves are pinnate, consisting of 15-25 leaflets, which give the plant a feathery and decorative appearance. One of Trailing crown-vetch’s most charming characteristics is its clusters of small, delicate flowers, which bloom in hues of pink, white, and purple. These pea-like blossoms not only add a splash of color to the landscape during the blooming season, but they also attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Trending in both agricultural and ornamental uses, Trailing crown-vetch is favored for its nitrogen-fixing properties, a trait common within the legume family. This attribute improves soil quality by enriching it with essential nutrients, making the plant beneficial for both degraded and nutrient-poor soils.

Trailing crown-vetch was first formally described in the botanical literature of the Swedish Botanical Journal in 1989, under the authorship of (L.) Lassen. Despite its widespread beneficial uses, there are currently limited detailed observations on its ecological impacts and interactions with local flora and fauna in introduced regions.

While its robust growth and spread contribute positively to soil stabilization, it is crucial to manage this plant carefully to prevent it from becoming invasive. In some areas, Trailing crown-vetch’s vigorous growth pattern has led to its classification as an invasive species, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

For garden enthusiasts and environmental managers, Trailing crown-vetch offers a blend of utility and beauty. Its low-maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal make it an attractive option, provided it is planted thoughtfully and managed responsibly to mitigate any potential ecological risks.

Common Names

En: Trailing crown-vetch, Axseed, Crown-vetch, Crownvetch, Crown Vetch, Trailing Crown Vetch, Purple crownvetch, Purple crown-vetch, Common crown-vetch, Field crown-vetch
Ca: Coronil·la rosa
Da: Giftig kronvikke
Nl: Bont kroonkruid
Et: Kirju sarikhernes
Fr: Coronille bigarrée, Coronille variée, Coronille changeante, Faucille, Herbe de saint Jean, Sécurigéra bigarrée
De: Bunte Kronwicke, Bunte Beilwicke
It: Cornetta ginestrina, Vecciarini
Es: Ruda inglesa, Arvejilla morada, Coronilla morada
Sv: Rosenkronill
Cy: Ffacbysen Goronog

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Mary Beth Manning (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Mary Beth Manning (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2020 by Brychta Josef (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2020 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2018 by Farnoush Poursafavi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Keigan Wilkinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Éli Thé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Acym MICHEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Acym MICHEL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 13, 2018 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Dukes Ashleigh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Benjamin Suze (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by francoise cloteau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2017 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2017 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Aline Baron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2014 by EOL − justindarr (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Coline Vanlaeys (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 12, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Bernard HENRY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 28, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Marc SEGUIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Maurice TREMOY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Bonnie Simmons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel Bouhier (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Securigera varia (L.) Lassen)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5350000)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine

Growth