Horny Horned Pea
coronilla coronata
Also known as: ["Horny Horned Pea","Crown Vetch"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family, known for its fern-like leaves and small, pea-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Coronilla |
| Botanical Name: | Coronilla coronata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or open meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure good aeration; avoid waterlogging; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during active growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; water before and after feeding to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may take longer to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pots within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag if needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back leggy stems; thin out crowded branches; shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
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 container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; browning or blackening of leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; roots can suffer damage in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -20°F.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; apply at recommended dilution; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest parts of Coronilla coronata may experience mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The plant's toxic compounds can cause discomfort and distress, particularly affecting the digestive and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Coronilla coronata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances. The toxic compounds, particularly quinolizidine alkaloids, can disrupt normal digestive and nervous system functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCoronilla coronata contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's physiological impact is primarily due to the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids, which can interfere with normal cellular functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Coronilla coronata toxic to pets?
A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.
Q: How does Coronilla coronata grow?
A: It is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads via rhizomes and seeds.
Q: Does Coronilla coronata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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