Purple Crownvetch

Here's a Purple Crownvetch I came across in late spring. The funky-looking light purple flowers and the pinnated leaves may get your attention, but these guys are considered fierce invaders. Native to Eurasian/Africa, these guys have tough, abundant, and deep roots that make them good at erosion control (which is why they were introduced to North America). Unfortunately they readily go beyond their erosion control mission, and can crowd out more beneficial native plants.

If you talk to different herbivorous animals, they'll definitely give you different stories about this legume. Horses will warn you not to eat it since it's poisonous, but ruminants like cows and deer will tell you that it's a tasty source of protein and other nutrients. (Since us humans aren't ruminants, you probably shouldn't be grazing on this yourself.)

June 11, 2021 at Washington Valley Park
Photo 136371817, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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