Yellow Crownvetch
coronilla glauca
Also known as: ["Crownvetch","Yellow Serradella"]
Overview
A deciduous, low-growing shrub with small, bright yellow flowers and silvery-grey foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Coronilla |
| Botanical Name: | Coronilla glauca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or as a specimen shrub in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil
pH: 6.0–7.5; slightly alkaline preferred.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid waterlogging; amend heavy soil with organic matter.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures between -20°C to 35°C; prefers cooler temperatures in winter for dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; ensure winter dormancy for hardiness.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root most reliably in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage with a hole at the bottom.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; adjust pH with lime if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch around the base for insulation; protect from frost with a frost cloth; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply in the morning to combat heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; monitor for nutrient burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume parts of Coronilla glauca. The toxic effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Coronilla glauca seeds and flowers can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCoronilla glauca contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Coronilla glauca suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for rock gardens due to its low-growing habit and drought tolerance.
Q: Does Coronilla glauca attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should Coronilla glauca be watered?
A: It is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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