Securigera varia, commonly known as crown vetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family. Originating from Europe and Asia, it has been introduced and naturalized in many regions worldwide, including North America. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and features a sprawling habit, with stems extending up to 3 meters in length.
The leaves of Securigera varia are pinnately compound, consisting of small leaflets arranged along the stem. Its flowers, which are pink or white, grow in dense clusters at the end of long stalks and bloom from May through September.
Crown vetch is often utilized for erosion control due to its extensive root system that helps stabilize soil on steep slopes and along highways. Additionally, it serves as a forage crop for livestock, thanks to its high protein content.
However, if not properly managed, Securigera varia can become invasive. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes, potentially outcompeting native vegetation. Therefore, it should be planted with caution in areas where it may pose a problem.
In summary, Securigera varia is a significant plant species with both beneficial uses and potential negative impacts on ecosystems if not properly managed.
Common crownvetch is a plant that was initially cultivated as animal feed. Interestingly, it offers nutritional benefits to ruminants, but is toxic to non-ruminants. The plant's name comes from its distinctive flower clusters, which resemble a crown. As a member of the pea family, it is known as common crownvetch.
Crown vetch is fairly resistant to disease and generally does not suffer from them. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These infestations are typically not severe. For care, this plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Crown vetch is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more care when grown indoors.
How to keep Securigera Varia.
Light
Crown vetch strongly prefers plentiful sunlight like that of its native habitat. Adequate light is essential for its health and development. While it can tolerate lower light levels, steady exposure to ample light supports its vigorous growth. However, both insufficient and excessive light can lead to poor growth and health problems.
Water
Common crownvetch, which originates from temperate regions, thrives best in conditions of moderate moisture and can withstand short periods of drought. For optimal growth, it is recommended to water crownvetch weekly. This should be done in accordance with the natural rainfall patterns during its growing season to ensure the plant receives adequate hydration.
Temperature
Crown vetch grows best in temperatures between 41 and 95 ℉ (5 and 35 ℃). The plant is native to temperate areas and adapts to seasonal temperature shifts. In colder periods, it is advisable to protect the plant, for example by covering it, to avoid frost damage. During hotter periods, occasional misting can help prevent dehydration.
Fertilizer
A single spring application of fertilizer is generally adequate for Crown vetch, though repeated feedings can optimize growth. Apply fertilizer every month to a month and a half. Fertilization improves the look and function of the leaves, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake, supporting long-term plant health.
Pruning
Common crownvetch, with its vining growth and vibrant flowers, is a popular choice for ground cover. To maintain its shape and encourage growth, it's best to prune the plant from early to late spring. To ensure future blooms and a healthy, easy-to-manage plant, avoid heavy pruning after spring.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Securigera
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-10
- Mature Height
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, White, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Turkey, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Belarus, Mali, Iraq, Germany, Estonia, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, Moldova, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland, Greece, Lebanon, Lithuania, Norway, Syria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Iran, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Common crownvetch?
To properly water the Common crownvetch, follow these steps: 1. Use filtered water at room temperature for this plant, as tap water may contain harmful particles. 2. The Common crownvetch prefers warmer water because it is accustomed to a warm environment. Cold water may shock the plant. 3. Avoid watering from above as it can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, directly water the soil. 4. Apply the filtered room temperature water to the soil until it is completely soaked. 5. Soaking the soil is beneficial for the Common crownvetch as it nourishes the roots and helps them spread and gather nutrients.
Why do I have to add fertilizer to my Common crownvetch?
The leaves of the Common crownvetch are crucial for its structure, and fertilization is key to keeping them healthy and functioning properly. By fertilizing correctly, you can maintain consistent color and a healthy texture in the leaves. Fertilization also benefits the plant below the soil's surface, promoting the growth of new roots and maintaining the existing root system. This ensures not only the current health of the plant but also enhances its ability to absorb soil nutrients in the future.
What are the sunlight requirements for Common Crownvetch?
Common Crownvetch thrives in full sun conditions, requiring more than 6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain optimal health and development. It can also adapt to partial sun, with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. However, it's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and to choose spots that provide a perfect balance of light and shade, as both deficiency and excess sunlight can lead to suboptimal growth.
What is the preferred temperature range for Common Crownvetch?
Common Crownvetch prefers temperature ranges between 41 to 95°F (5 to 35°C). It is a plant native to temperate regions, hence it adjusts well to seasonal temperature changes. To keep the plant healthy, it is important to provide frost protection in the colder months by covering it and to mist the plant occasionally during hotter months to prevent dehydration. Despite its strong cold resistance, additional protection is advised if temperatures are expected to drop below -30°C, typically by covering the plant with soil or straw.
What should I do if I give my Common crownvetch too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering for the health of your Common crownvetch. When this plant receives too much water, its stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Prolonged overwatering can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal. On the other hand, Common crownvetch has good drought tolerance, so underwatering is less common. However, if it does happen, the leaves will become brittle and brown. It is important to identify and address overwatering signs early, as some diseases like root rot may not be fixable if left untreated for too long. If you notice overwatering signs, reduce watering immediately and assess the soil's drainage. Replace poorly draining soil with loose, well-draining potting mix if necessary. Conversely, if your Common crownvetch shows signs of not getting enough water, simply water it more regularly until the signs disappear.
When should I fertilize my Common crownvetch?
To promote growth in your Common crownvetch, it's important to fertilize it when new leaves start appearing in early spring. Typically, a single application of fertilizer at this time is sufficient. However, if you want to maximize growth, you can fertilize multiple times throughout the spring and early summer. In this case, it's recommended to feed your Common crownvetch about once every month to a month and a half.
Can artificial lighting be used for indoor Common Crownvetch plants?
Yes, artificial lighting can be a vital solution for indoor Common Crownvetch plants when natural sunlight is insufficient, especially in winter or in less sunny spaces. LED lights are a popular choice as they can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by the plants. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of light, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and plants typically require 8-12 hours of light per day.
How should I care for Common Crownvetch during winter?
During winter, Common Crownvetch shows strong cold resistance but still requires certain care to thrive. If temperatures are expected to plummet below -30°C, it's important to protect the plant from frost. This can be done by covering it with materials such as soil or straw. Additionally, watering the plant abundantly before the first freeze of autumn to ensure the soil is moist can help prevent drought and water scarcity during the colder months. Generally, the plant should be kept above -25°C, and if the winter temperatures are not excessively severe, special frost protection measures may not be necessary.
How often should I give water to my Common crownvetch?
If your Common crownvetch plant is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is by checking the soil. Simply plunge your finger into the soil and if you find that the first two to three inches are dry, it's time to water it. If you grow your Common crownvetch outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to check the soil. Once again, if the top few inches have dried out, it's time for watering. Typically, in the spring and early fall, you'll need to water this plant about once a week using this method. However, during extremely hot weather, it may require watering twice or more per week. It's important to note that mature, well-established Common crownvetch plants are quite resilient and can withstand drought conditions admirably.
When is it not a good idea to fertilize my Common crownvetch?
During late fall and winter, your Common crownvetch goes into a dormant phase without new growth. So, avoid fertilizing it during this time. In spring and summer, if you fertilize, start reducing the amount as summer comes and the growth rate slows down. Avoid fertilizing when it's very hot or the soil is extremely dry as it can stress the plant and cause it to die prematurely.
What are some common symptoms of inadequate lighting in Common Crownvetch?
Common symptoms of light deficiency in Common Crownvetch include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and symptoms of excessive sunlight exposure like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms indicate the plant needs a better balance of light exposure.
What should I do if Common Crownvetch experiences low temperatures?
Common Crownvetch is cold-tolerant, thriving best above 5°C and should be kept above -25°C during winter months. In case temperatures fall below -30°C, the plant might not show noticeable changes immediately but could experience decreased sprouting or no sprouting come spring. To mitigate this, in spring, it's suggested to remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout as part of its care.
