Crownvetch

Securigera Varia L. Lassen

Symbol:

SEVA4

Group:

Dicot

Family:

Fabaceae

Description:

Long-lived herbaceous, perennial, rhizomatous legume with an upright growth habit initially, later forming a mat. Adapted throughout the humid, temperate region of the USA. Used primarily for conservation but can also be used for pasture and hay. Best suited to well-drained, fertile soils, with near-neutral pH.

Identification Characteristics

Type:

Legume

Climate and Soil Suitability Zones

Climate Tolerances:

Tolerates cold temperatures and drought. [Winter hardy through USDA Plant Hardiness zone 4; Jan mean minimum of -30 °F, -34 °C); American Horticultural Society Heat Zones 1-7 (<90 days above 86 ˚F (30 C)].

Requires 18-60 inches (460-1500 mm) of precipitation or irrigation.

Soil Tolerances:

Tolerant of very strongly acid to neutral soils (pH 4.5-7.3). Suited to excessively drained to moderately well drained soils (wet soil intolerant). Moderately tolerant of saline conditions (3-6 dS/m). Intolerant of water soluble aluminum (persistence reduced at 0.5 ppm Al3+ and pH 4.2).

Quality and Antiquality Factors

Quality Factors:

Produces palatable high quality forage for all classes of livestock either as hay

or pasture. There is little or no bloat hazard.

Anti-quality Factors:

Toxic to horses and other non-ruminants because of the presence of nitroglycosides. If consumed in large amounts, it can cause slow growth, paralysis, or even death. However, this is not true for ruminant animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. These aliphatic nitro compounds are degraded in ruminant digestion.