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Crown Vetch, Purple Crown Vetch, Axseed, Hive Vine - Coronilla varia


Family: Fabaceae - Pea family Genus Common Name: Vetch Native Status: IntroducedDicot Perennial Herb Vine
Coronilla varia - Crown Vetch, Purple Crown Vetch, Axseed, Hive Vine. Coronilla varia is a synonym for Securigera varia. Similarly to Kudzu, Crown Vetch was introduced into the United States for erosion control. Similarly to Kudzu, it now appears that was a mistake, and it is now present in every state except Alaska and North Dakota. Organizations in many states now consider this plant to be a significant threat to native plants.

Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Coronilla varia

Distribution of Coronilla varia in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Lehigh County, PA Date: 2011-June-21Photographer: Frank Borso
Nikon D60
The pink flowers of Crown Vetch are the typical pea shape and are in a tight cluster of 10 to 20 blossoms.

Appreciation to Frank Borso for permission to use his photo.
Coronilla varia
Site: Polk County, TN Date: 2004-May-30Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
The pinnate leaves in this photo are those of the Crown Vetch vine.
Coronilla varia
References used for identification and information:
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Coronilla varia initially published on USWildflowers.com 2008-12-31; Updated 2017-03-02

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