Crown Vetch is a perennial, herbaceous legume. It is a creeping plant with semi-vine growth habit. Produces foliage that is ground covering, that can grow to a height of 18-24 inches and appears to look a little like clover. It is very competitive and will crowd out most weeds. It has an extensive root system making it fairly drought tolerant. It is also used for wildlife foraging (Deer, etc.).

Crown vetch is used primarily for hillside erosion plantings in areas where mowing is difficult or impossible.  It produces fairly attractive flowers during the seasonal blooming period. (various colors - white-pink to purple-pink color). Crown Vetch is primarily used in North Eastern areas of the USA states.

Crown vetch is an invasive plant because of its creeping growth.  It has been observed to grow more than 10 feet from a single plant within a year. One plant can cover an area of 75 to 100 feet within 3 to 4 years.  

Use caution when considering an area to be planted. Because of its invasive nature you should not plant near areas where other grasses will be grown. It has been observed to jump paved roadways and continue on the other side. Crown Vetch is a good plant when used in the right areas. Its primary use is for plantings in the cool humid regions such as on steep hillsides for erosion control where mowing may be impractical. Like many plants, when used in the wrong area they are harmful and invasive. 

We advise that you consult with your local Cooperative Extension agent on the advisability of using this plant for your particular location.  List of extension agents at: www.turfhelp.com/info/extension.html   If you are unfamiliar with this plant do not plant before consulting with an agricultural expert.

Type: perennial legume

Uses: Crown Vetch is a perennial legume that is slow to establish but eventually spreads quickly from rhizomes. Well adapted to most soils in the U.S. but not adapted to the Deep South, it will provide a permanent ground cover and good erosion control. It makes excellent cover for quail and good browse for deer. It will shed seeds through the summer for quail and other game birds. Also Makes an excellent food plot for: Deer, Quail and Dove

Best For: Deer, Turkey, Pheasant, Rabbit, and Quail

Soils: Grows well on acidic, infertile soils.  Prefers a pH of 6.5-7.0.  It is NOT recommended for wet, poorly drained soils. 

Establishment: Crown Vetch is a slow establisher. Because of its slow establishment, it is usually seeded in combination with ryegrass or red fescue. These will provide faster cover and erosion control until the Vetch fills in. Full establishment generally takes about 2 years.

Planting rate: Seeding rate: 20 lbs per acre. Inoculation of the seeds may help growth of this legume by helping the root system obtain nitrogen from the soil. For smaller plots plant 1 lb. per 1000 sq. ft. Broadcast rates should be higher than drilled rates. Plant early spring through summer after danger of frost on well prepared seedbeds. Fertilization on an annual basis will keep the forage and seed rate higher.

Crown Vetch is a perennial legume that can provide forage for deer, seeds that other wildlife eat and cover for game birds such as quail. Crown vetch is grown in most of the United States and takes two to three years to fully establish a full stand  but develops excellent coverage in the first year and is a heavy seeding legume after maturity. Make sure your location is suitable for planting Crown Vetch.