How much sun does Trailing Crown-vetch need?

Trailing Crown-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Trailing Crown-vetch bloom?

Trailing Crown-vetch blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Trailing Crown-vetch native?

Trailing Crown-vetch (Securigera varia) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Trailing Crown-vetch toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Trailing Crown-vetch as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Trailing Crown-vetch attract?

Trailing Crown-vetch draws bees and butterflies.

Is Trailing Crown-vetch HOA-friendly?

Trailing 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.

Trailing Crown-vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Securigera varia

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Trailing Crown-vetch as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Trailing crown-vetch is a low-growing perennial vine that spreads widely across the ground, forming dense mats up to 6 feet wide. It produces clusters of pink and white pea-like flowers from late spring through summer and tolerates drought well once established. This aggressive spreader is often used for erosion control on slopes and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Aggressive spreading habit can overtake other plants
May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
Difficult to contain once established

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season from May through August. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Trailing Crown-vetch need?: Trailing Crown-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Trailing Crown-vetch bloom?: Trailing Crown-vetch blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Trailing Crown-vetch native?: Trailing Crown-vetch (Securigera varia) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Trailing Crown-vetch toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Trailing Crown-vetch as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Trailing Crown-vetch attract?: Trailing Crown-vetch draws bees and butterflies.
Is Trailing Crown-vetch HOA-friendly?: Trailing 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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Trailing Crown-vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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