Crown Vetch (Securigera varia) (Linnaeus, 1753)

 

Synonyms: Coronilla varia, Coronilla haussknechtii, Coronilla hirta, common crown-vetch, purple crown vetch

 

Securigera varia (= Coronilla varia) is native to central and southern Europe, West Asia, and North Africa; introduced to North America and New Zealand. This species grows at forest edges, in hedgerows, dry meadows, ravines, and disturbed habitats in its native range; mainly in roadsides and fields in North America; up to 1,400 m in the Alps. Perennial herbaceous vine. Stem is smooth and ascending (0.6-2 m in length), often relying on adjacent vegetation for support. The leaves are near-sessile, alternate and pinnate, with 11-25 leaflets. Flowers consist of a green calyx with 5 pointed lobes and 5 pink, white or purple petals; arranged in umbels of 10-25. Blooms in late spring-summer; the fruit is an angular seedpod; the seed is winged. This species spreads by rhizomes, and forms dense stands, excluding other plants; considered invasive in North America.

 

		D61551 Crown Vetch* (Securigera varia) Prince Gallitzin State Park Pennsylvania, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
* photographed outside of the native range

 

Unauthorized use of our images is NOT permitted.
Hotlinking or "pinning" of our images to websites is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev - All Rights Reserved