How to Grow and Care for Crownvetch

Common crownvetch (Securigera varia) is a vine that often gets employed to prevent soil erosion. It grows low to the ground, and its complex root system can hold soil in place. This vine is considered an invasive species in the United States, but it's not unusual to see the attractive blooms in flower arrangements. Common crownvetch is toxic to horses, but not to ruminants like cows.

Securigera orientalis is a herbaceous perennial known for its resilience in arid environments. It exhibits a clumping habit with feathery, compound leaves and stems that can reach up to 60cm in height. In late spring to early summer, securigera orientalis displays racemes of yellow, pea-like flowers, which contribute to its ornamental appeal and ecological role as a pollinator attractant. Its deep root system aids in drought tolerance, making it a hardy species in its native temperate regions.

Goat pea is a perennial herb with delicate, feather-like leaves and small, clustered, pale pink to white flowers. The plant’s distinctive seed pods resemble locked safes, earning it the nickname 'crown vetch'. Thriving in well-drained soils, goat pea uses its deep roots to stabilize and enrich the ground, often found on sunny slopes or meadows. Its resilience to various conditions makes it both admired for erosion control and scrutinized for its potential invasiveness.