Crown Vetch Pink Flowers On Cayuga Lake FingerLakes NYS Royalty-Free Stock Photo

Crownvetch or purple crown vetch, is a low-growing legume vine with pink and white flowers from early summer to late fall. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe and is commonly used throughout the United States and Canada for erosion control, roadside planting and soil rehabilitation. It has become an invasive species in many states of the US. Well suited to a sunny bank along lakeshores, where it will grow for decades with little to no fertilizing, mowing, or weeding since the thick foliage prevents weeds from growing.Crownvetch is toxic to horses and other non-ruminants because of the presence of nitroglycosides. If consumed in large amounts, it can cause slow growth, paralysis, or even death. Not toxic for ruminant animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep.