Purple Crownvetch (Securigera varia)

Appearance

Vetch is a vine grows low to the ground. It can form thickets, but may also be found as a single plant. Vetch leaves are usually a dark green and growing oppositely to one another.

A thicket of purple crownvetch (vetch) (Securigera varia) in a field. Photo courtesy of Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org.

A stem of vetch against a red concrete wall. The contrast clearly shows the opposite orientation of the leaves, as well as their general shape. Photo courtesy of Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com, Bugwood.org.

Flowers

Vetch flowers in the summer. The flowers are white, pink, and/or a pinkish-purple. They appear visually similar to clover flowers. Vetch flowers are usually larger than clover flowers.

An up-close image of a vetch flower, showing the details of the petals and flower structure. Photo courtesy of Mary C Legg, Mary C Legg, Bugwood.org.

Vetch flowers shown in various conditions. Their placement at the end of the stem should be noted. Photo courtesy of Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org.