Crown Vetch (Coronilla valentina)

Crown Vetch

Coronilla valentina

Clusters of butter-yellow blooms glow like tiny suns. Evergreen flowering shrub; common names: crown vetch, Valentin's coronilla.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure; full sun promotes maximum flowering
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures; avoid prolonged heat over 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 5–7 oval, glossy green leaflets
  • Flower: Dense umbels of bright yellow, pea-like blooms
  • Stem: Slender, trailing or upright green stems with fine, soft hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn to prepare for dormancy

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and improve soil drainage
Pruning
  • Trim faded flower heads promptly to encourage extended reblooming
  • Shape in late spring to maintain a compact mounding habit
  • Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring to stimulate new, healthy growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to cardiac glycosides; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and lethargy

Humans: Ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and abdominal pain

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for rock gardens; historically used in folk medicine (not recommended due to toxicity)