Plant guide

Crown vetch.

Securigera varia

Pronounced seh-kyoo-ri-JER-uh VAIR-ee-uh

Also known as Securigera varia, Axseed, Crown Vetch, Crownvetch, Purple Crownvetch, Trailing Crown Vetch, crown-vetch, trailing crown-vetch

Crown vetch is a hardy, spreading perennial that is often used for ground cover and erosion control. It produces lovely clusters of pink and white flowers that resemble small crowns. Be careful where you plant it, as it can be quite aggressive in the garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Growth rate: Fast

Care

This plant thrives in full sun and is very adaptable to different soil types. Keep an eye on its spread, as it can quickly take over areas if not contained. It rarely needs extra care once it is established.

Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: It generally does not require fertilizer if planted in decent soil.
Pruning: Trim back in late fall or early spring to manage its spread.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound in a container.
Soil: Well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered toxic to horses and potentially other livestock if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

Clusters of pink and white flowers
Compound leaves with many small leaflets
Low growing trailing stems
Forms dense mats of foliage

Science

Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Coronilla
Order: Fabales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your crown vetch looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.