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DeLange Seed
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CROWN VETCH: Coronilla varia L. Crown vetch is a long-lived perennial legume which spreads by creeping under-ground rootstocks. It possesses a deep penetrating taproot and numerous branch roots. Stems are hollow, semi-decumbent and may reach a length of four feet. Flowers range in color from white to purple with various shades in between. Seeds are borne in pods that are divided into 3 to 12 single seeded sections. Seeds are mahogany in color and are rod-shaped. Crown vetch is widely renowned for its ability to hold soil on severe slopes and is widely used on highway right-of-ways. Valued for erosion control on steep embankments, mine spoil areas and other disturbed sites; crown vetch is potentially an important forage species for eastern Kansas. Is also serves as an ornamental ground cover. While established plants are tolerant of moderately acid and infertile soils, it is best suited to well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.4 or higher. USE AND MANAGEMENT: In Kansas, crown vetch is most commonly utilized for pasture. Forage yields are equal to or superior to other more commonly grown pasture legumes. Improper grazing management can greatly reduce stand persistence. Rotational grazing, with rest periods sufficiently long enough (30 to 40 days) to replenish carbohydrate reserves in the roots, are necessary to maintain stand productivity. When utilized for hay, two harvests per season may be attempted. Seasonal trends of carbohydrate reserves in the roots are similar to those of alfalfa. The first hay crop should be taken when crown vetch is in full bloom. This allows better regrowth as the number of axillary buds producing regrowth is highest at this time. In addition to crown vetch's utilization as a forage legume, it is also widely used for erosion control, highway beautification, ornamental ground cover and wildlife plantings. |