UWRF University of Wisconsin-River Falls Upper Midwest Forages
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Vetch, Crown

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Scientific name:Coronilla varia
Cultivars:Chemung, Emerald, Penngift
Origin:Africa, Asia, Europe
Growth Habit:Prostrate
Life Cycle:Perennial
 
Use
 
Production:Wildlife feed
Nutritive Value:Highly palatable
Herbaria Image:Click this link
 
Identification
 
Seed Head:White to pink flowers in clusters
Seed:Oblong, shiny, brown with "pinch" in the middle
Shoot:Round, slender, 1.5-2'
Leaf:Pinnately compound
 
Adaptation
 
Soil:Loam, clay, or rocky soil
pH:6.0-6.5
Moisture:Requires adequate moisture, but will tolerate long periods of drought
Temperature:Cold-tolerant if well established
Other:
 
Establishment - Management
 
Seeding rate:15 to 20 lb/acre, inoculate for best results. Mix with tall fescue or ryegrass (at 30 lb/acre) for protection
Seed cost:n/a
Planting date:Spring
Planting depth:1/2", mulch with 1.5 tons straw/acre
Frost seeding:Yes
Fertilization:Follow soil test recommendations
Grazing:
  • Grazing can occur soon after flowering.
  • Rotationally graze allowing 10-14" of regrowth.
  • Can be stockpiled due to high palatability
  • Nutritive value decrease with maturity.
  • Hay:
  • Harvest ~2 weeks after flowering, leave 6" stubble. Wait 8-9 weeks for next harvest.
  •  
    Notes
  • Restricted plant in Wisconsin; Invasive plant in Minnesota