Bloomipedia
Purple crownvetch (Securigera varia)
Photo: Steven Lamonde via iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 · resized

Flower profile

Purple crownvetch

Securigera varia

Purple crownvetch (Securigera varia) is a vine in the Fabaceae family, introduced in the lower 48 states, blooming mostly June–July across the U.S.

★ Official state beautification and conservation plant of Pennsylvania (1982)Introduced in the lower 48

Purple crownvetch is a wildflower that USDA PLANTS lists as introduced in the lower 48 states. It's on our flower lists for 25 states, and across the U.S. it's most often seen in bloom in June–July.

48states where USDA records it
25Bloomipedia state lists include it
52,899U.S. sightings*

*iNaturalist research-grade observations, as of October 17, 2026.

On our lists for: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

🏅
Pennsylvania's official state beautification and conservation plant since 1982. Visit the Pennsylvania page → 71 P.S. § 1010.2 (Act of June 17, 1982, P.L. 526, No. 150) The law names the ‘Penngift’ variety of crownvetch (listed there as Coronilla varia).
🚫
Regulated invasive plant in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana. It's on those states' official invasive plant lists (Minnesota: Restricted noxious weed (no sale or transport); Wisconsin: Restricted invasive species (as Coronilla varia); Indiana: Prohibited invasive plant (no sale, gifting or planting) (as Coronilla varia)). Please don't plant or share it there. MN noxious weed list NR 40 312 IAC 18-3-25

Quick look

Securigera varia, commonly known as crownvetch or purple crown vetch, is a low-growing legume vine. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and is commonly used throughout the United States and Canada for erosion control, roadside planting and soil rehabilitation. It has become an invasive species in many states of the US.

  • It belongs to the Fabaceae family. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS describes it as an herb (forb) / a vine with a perennial life cycle. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists it as introduced in the lower 48 states and records it in 48 states. USDA PLANTS
  • In Pennsylvania, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in June–September. iNaturalist
  • In New York, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in June–August. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS lists its flower color as purple. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS gives its bloom period as late spring. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists a mature height of about 2.6 ft. USDA PLANTS
  • iNaturalist has 6,212 research-grade sightings of it in Pennsylvania, ranking #18 among the 190 flowers on our Pennsylvania list. iNaturalist
  • iNaturalist has 5,338 research-grade sightings of it in New York, ranking #37 among the 193 flowers on our New York list. iNaturalist
  • iNaturalist has 3,585 research-grade sightings of it in Michigan, ranking #32 among the 172 flowers on our Michigan list. iNaturalist

When does it bloom?

Flowering records by month across the U.S. (iNaturalist research-grade observations marked “Flowering”) (5,039 records)
Bloom time in the 25 states whose Bloomipedia list includes it
StateTypePeak bloomSightings*
PennsylvaniaIntroducedJune–September6,212
New YorkIntroducedJune–August5,338
MichiganIntroducedJune–July3,585
OhioIntroducedJune–September3,503
IllinoisIntroducedJune–July3,224
MinnesotaIntroducedJune–July3,065
WisconsinIntroducedJune–August3,052
VirginiaIntroducedMay–July2,941
MassachusettsIntroducedJune–July2,661
MarylandIntroducedMay–July2,201
New JerseyIntroducedJune–July1,875
IndianaIntroducedJune–September1,391
VermontIntroducedJune–August1,234
MaineIntroducedJune–September1,233
MissouriIntroducedMay–July1,213
IowaIntroducedJune–September944
West VirginiaIntroducedMay–August859
ConnecticutIntroducedJune–July825
KentuckyIntroducedMay–July821
New HampshireIntroducedJune–August727
KansasIntroducedfew records (22)636
NebraskaIntroducedfew records (17)403
Rhode IslandIntroducedfew records (20)345
DelawareIntroducedMay–July273
South DakotaIntroducedfew records (15)213

Conservation status

Federal (U.S. ESA)
Not listed No U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in the USFWS ECOS database. USFWS ECOS
NatureServe global
GNR Not yet ranked worldwide. NatureServe
State rare plant lists
Not listed Not on the official rare plant list in 21 of our 25 states.
See each state
Pennsylvania
Not listed Not on Pennsylvania classified native plants (17 Pa. Code Ch. 45, Subchapter B, as amended 2023). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Pennsylvania. 17 Pa. Code Ch. 45
New York
Not listed Not on New York protected native plants (6 NYCRR § 193.3). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in New York. 6 NYCRR § 193.3
Michigan
Not listed Not on Michigan endangered and threatened plants (Mich. Admin. Code R 299.1028, eff. March 20, 2023). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Michigan. R 299.1028
Ohio
Not listed Not on Ohio endangered and threatened plants (Ohio Adm. Code 1501:18-1-03, eff. Dec. 26, 2024). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Ohio. OAC 1501:18-1-03
Illinois
Not listed Not on Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Flora (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1050), per the Endangered Species Protection Board's 2025 checklist. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Illinois. IL E&T checklist 2025
Minnesota
Not listed Not on Minnesota endangered, threatened and special concern plants (Minn. R. 6134.0300). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Minnesota. Minn. R. 6134.0300
Wisconsin
Not listed Not on Wisconsin endangered and threatened species list (Wis. Admin. Code NR 27.03). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Wisconsin. NR 27.03
Virginia
Not listed Not on Virginia endangered and threatened plant and insect species (2VAC5-320-10). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Virginia. 2VAC5-320-10
Massachusetts
Not listed Not on Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list (321 CMR 10.90). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Massachusetts. MESA list
Maryland
Not listed Not on Maryland threatened and endangered plants (COMAR 08.03.08.05, .06 and .08). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Maryland. COMAR 08.03.08
New Jersey
Not listed Not on New Jersey Endangered Plant Species List (N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in New Jersey. N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1
Vermont
Not listed Not on Endangered and Threatened Plants of Vermont (10 V.S.A. chap. 123; list of Feb 10, 2022). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Vermont. Vermont E&T list
Maine
Not listed Not on Maine Rare Plant List (Maine Natural Areas Program, 2021). E and T are Maine's official endangered and threatened plants (12 M.R.S.); SC and PE are tracking categories. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Maine. Maine rare plant list
Missouri
Not listed Not on Missouri Wildlife Code endangered species (3 CSR 10-4.111), plants. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Missouri. 3 CSR 10-4.111
Iowa
Not listed Not on Iowa endangered, threatened and special concern plants (Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-77.3). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Iowa. IAC 571-77.3
Connecticut
Not listed Not on Connecticut Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Plants (RCSA 26-306; 2015 list). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Connecticut. CT E/T/SC list
Kentucky
Not listed Not on Kentucky endangered and threatened plant lists (400 KAR 3:040, eff. 2026). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Kentucky. 400 KAR 3:040
New Hampshire
Not listed Not on New Hampshire Official Rare Plants List (Ncr 312, eff. Jan 1, 2020). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in New Hampshire. NH Ncr 312
Nebraska
Not listed Not on Nebraska threatened and endangered species (163 Neb. Admin. Code ch. 4, § 004). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Nebraska. 163 NAC 4-004
Rhode Island
Not listed Not on Rhode Island Rare Plants 2016 (RI Natural History Survey, from the RI Wildlife Action Plan; informational, Rhode Island has no state plant-protection listing law). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Rhode Island. RI rare plants 2016
Delaware
Not listed Not on Rare and Uncommon Plants of Delaware (DNREC, 2024; informational, Delaware has no state plant-protection list). NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Delaware. DE rare plants 2024
Indiana
No list Indiana has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (the DNR keeps a rare plant list, but it isn't regulatory), so we show NatureServe's Indiana ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Indiana.
West Virginia
No list West Virginia has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (only federally listed species are protected), so we show NatureServe's West Virginia ranks instead. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in West Virginia.
Kansas
No list Kansas's endangered and threatened list (K.A.R. 115-15-1) covers animals only, so we show NatureServe's Kansas ranks for plants. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in Kansas.
South Dakota
No list South Dakota's endangered and threatened list (ARSD 41:10:02) covers animals only, so we show NatureServe's South Dakota ranks for plants. NatureServe: SNA, not applicable (usually because it isn't native there) in South Dakota.
Rare elsewhere
No other U.S. state ranks it S1, S2, SH or SX.

Checked October 17, 2026. Rankings and lists can change, so follow the links for the latest.

Can you eat it?

For peoplePoisonous to people

NC State Extension lists it as poisonous to humans (severity: medium). Poisonous parts: flowers, fruits, seeds, stems. Symptoms they list: “In large quantities can cause paralysis or even death” NC State Extension

For petsCan be a problem for horses

NC State Extension flags it as a problem for horses. It isn't on the ASPCA plant list. NC State Extension

🌿 Never eat a wild plant unless you're certain of its ID; this isn't medical advice. Worried about a person? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Worried about a pet? Call your vet.

Where does it grow?

USDA PLANTS records purple crownvetch in 48 states plus Washington, D.C.

recorded by USDA PLANTS on our state lists not recorded

See the full list of states

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; District of Columbia.

Pennsylvania counties with USDA records: Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Dauphin, Erie, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Snyder, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland.

New York counties with USDA records: Albany, Bronx, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chemung, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Kings, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Nassau, New York, Niagara, Oneida, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Ulster, Washington, Westchester, Wyoming, Yates.

Michigan counties with USDA records: Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Berrien, Clinton, Delta, Genesee, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Leelanau, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oakland, Oceana, Shiawassee, Washtenaw.

Growing conditions

USDA PLANTS gives Purple crownvetch a medium shade tolerance, high drought tolerance and low moisture use. It is rated for soil pH 4.8 to 7.0 and winter lows down to -28 °F.

Shade tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
High
Moisture use
Low
Soil textures it is adapted to
coarse, medium
Soil pH range
4.8 to 7.0
Minimum temperature tolerated
-28 °F
Frost-free days needed (minimum)
130
Annual precipitation range
20 to 60 inches
Minimum root depth
1 inches
Salinity tolerance
None
Fertility requirement
Medium
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifespan
Long
Active growth period
Spring and Summer
Fruit or seed
Red · Spring to Summer
Can be propagated by
seed, sprigs
Commercial availability
Routinely Available

From the USDA PLANTS characteristics data for SEVA4. USDA ratings are general guidance for the species, not a guarantee for your garden.

Names, range and relatives

Native status by region (USDA PLANTS): Canada: Introduced; Hawaii: Introduced; Lower 48 states: Introduced.

Other scientific names (synonyms in USDA PLANTS): Coronilla varia.

County records: USDA PLANTS lists it in 515 counties across 41 states; the most are in Virginia (53), Kansas (52), Illinois (37).

More from the Fabaceae family (114 on Bloomipedia; most observed first): Lupines, White clover, Red clover, Eastern redbud, Bird's-foot trefoil, Partridge pea, White sweetclover, Common vetch.

More Pennsylvania flowers

Sources