Coronilla spp.

crown vetch

Fabaceae

Europe, Mediterranean, and western Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Coronilla spp. is a genus of about 20 species of annuals, perennials, and small evergreen or deciduous shrubs in the pea family, native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and western Asia. Plants carry pinnate leaves of small, rounded leaflets, often blue-green, and bear pea-type flowers in rounded, umbel-like clusters at the shoot tips. Flower color is usually yellow, with some species in pink, lilac, or white; several, such as the shrubby C. valentina subsp. glauca, are scented and bloom from late winter into spring and again in autumn. Slender, jointed seed pods break into one-seeded segments. The shrubby kinds form rounded bushes 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall, while others are low, sprawling perennials. The genus grows in full sun on light, free-draining soil and tolerates drought, heat, and lean ground once established, though the tender shrubby species are damaged by hard frost. As legumes, the plants fix nitrogen through root bacteria. The sprawling crown vetch, long placed here as C. varia and now moved to Securigera spp., spreads aggressively and is invasive in parts of North America.

Native Range

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and western Asia, growing in scrub, grassland, and on dry, rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Shrubby species are grown in sunny borders, against warm walls, and in Mediterranean and gravel gardens for the scented yellow flowers. Low, spreading kinds are used for bank cover and erosion control, though some spread aggressively. Plants are not reliable in cold-winter or wet, shaded sites.

How to Identify

Recognized by pinnate leaves of small, paired, often blue-green leaflets and rounded clusters of small pea flowers at the stem tips. Flowers are most often yellow, sometimes scented. Narrow seed pods are jointed and break into single-seeded sections.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering varies by species, with the shrubby kinds blooming from late winter or spring and often repeating in autumn, and herbaceous kinds flowering through summer. The yellow pea flowers open in rounded clusters over several weeks. Some, such as C. valentina subsp. glauca, are fragrant by day.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, some pink or white

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun on light, sharp-draining soil of low to moderate fertility and tolerate drought once established. The shrubby species are set out from containers in spring and need little water or feeding, as their roots fix their own nitrogen. Frost below about 20 F (-7 C) damages the tender evergreen kinds, so they suit mild climates or sheltered walls. Wet, heavy soils cause root problems. Light trimming after the main flush keeps shrubby forms compact. Foliage and seeds contain compounds that are toxic if eaten.

Pruning

Shrubby species are trimmed lightly after the main flowering to keep a rounded shape and encourage repeat bloom. Old, leggy stems can be cut back into younger wood in spring. Spreading perennial kinds are cut back or dug out to limit their advance.