Crownvetch

Coronilla varia

Native to:
Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Coronilla
Species:
Coronilla varia
USDA Symbol:
SEVA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, white
Ground Cover:
Yes

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Syncopacma palpilineella, Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes following fire or mowing.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, open areas; prefers calcareous soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Can also be soaked in hot water.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI