Crown Vetch

Ornamental Features:

Crown Vetch's compound leaves remain green in colour throughout the season. It features beautiful rose pea-like flowers at the ends of the stems in early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes:

Crown Vetch is a dense herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance perennial that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Crown Vetch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Plant Characteristics:

Crown Vetch will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This perennial should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This plant can be propagated by division.

This species is not originally from North America.