How much sun does Crown Vetch need?

Crown Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Crown Vetch bloom?

Crown Vetch blooms in June, July, and August.

Is Crown Vetch toxic to cats?

Yes. Crown Vetch is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Crown Vetch attract?

Crown Vetch draws bees and butterflies.

Is Crown Vetch HOA-friendly?

Crown Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Crown Vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coronilla varia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Crown Vetch

Crown Vetch is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Crown vetch is a low-growing, spreading perennial vine that produces clusters of pink and white pea-like flowers throughout summer. This drought-tolerant groundcover forms dense mats and was historically used for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Crown Vetch takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Aggressive spreader that can escape cultivation
Often considered weedy or invasive
Can look untidy when not flowering

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the peak growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Crown Vetch need?: Crown Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Crown Vetch bloom?: Crown Vetch blooms in June, July, and August.
Is Crown Vetch toxic to cats?: Yes. Crown Vetch is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Crown Vetch attract?: Crown Vetch draws bees and butterflies.
Is Crown Vetch HOA-friendly?: Crown Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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