Cretan Crownvetch: A Mediterranean Annual for Naturalized Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover with charming pink flowers, you might have stumbled across Cretan crownvetch (Securigera cretica). This Mediterranean native has quietly made its way to parts of the United States, bringing its delicate beauty and easy-going nature along for the ride.
What Exactly Is Cretan Crownvetch?
Cretan crownvetch is an annual forb – basically a non-woody herbaceous plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Originally from the Mediterranean region, particularly around Crete (hence the name), this plant belongs to the legume family and sports the characteristic compound leaves and pea-like flowers you’d expect from its relatives.
You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym Coronilla cretica in older gardening references, but Securigera cretica is the current accepted name.
Where Does It Grow in the United States?
Currently, Cretan crownvetch has been documented growing in Maryland, where it has established itself as a non-native species that reproduces on its own in the wild. While it’s not widespread across the country, it has proven it can adapt to certain North American growing conditions.
Should You Plant Cretan Crownvetch?
Here’s where things get interesting. As a non-native species, Cretan crownvetch sits in that gray area where it’s not necessarily harmful, but it’s not contributing to local ecosystems the way native plants do. Here are some factors to consider:
Reasons You Might Want to Grow It:
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Attractive pink to purple flowers that bloom in clusters
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes
- Drought tolerant and adaptable
- Self-seeds readily, creating naturalized areas
- Attracts bees and other small pollinators
Reasons to Think Twice:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t support native wildlife as effectively as indigenous plants
- Can self-seed aggressively, potentially spreading beyond intended areas
- May compete with native plants for resources
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the idea of a low-growing, flowering ground cover but want to support local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Native clovers like white prairie clover (Dalea candida)
- Regional native legumes in your area
How to Grow Cretan Crownvetch Successfully
If you decide to give Cretan crownvetch a try, the good news is that it’s refreshingly easy to grow. This plant seems to thrive on benign neglect!
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soils; adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 7-10
Planting and Care Tips:
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost
- Barely cover seeds with soil – they need some light to germinate
- Water regularly until established, then reduce watering
- No fertilization needed – like most legumes, it fixes its own nitrogen
- Allow some plants to go to seed if you want it to return next year
- Deadhead flowers if you want to prevent excessive self-seeding
The Bottom Line
Cretan crownvetch is one of those plants that won’t cause you any sleepless nights if you choose to grow it, but it won’t win any awards for supporting local wildlife either. It’s a perfectly serviceable ground cover for naturalized areas, especially if you’re dealing with challenging sites like dry slopes. Just keep in mind that every garden is an opportunity to support native ecosystems, and there might be indigenous alternatives that could serve the same purpose while providing better benefits for local pollinators and wildlife.
Whatever you decide, remember that the best garden is one that brings you joy while being mindful of the broader ecological picture!
