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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Coronilla emerus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.7 m (8ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cardiac Diuretic

The plant is cardiac and diuretic[61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[184], preferring a moderately rich loamy soil[11, 182, 200]. An easily grown plant[11], it is hardy to about -20°c[184] if it is sheltered from cold winds[200]. Plants can be pruned almost back to the base if required, they usually resprout freely[200]. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - scarify and then pre-soak the seed for 1 - 2 hours in warm water[164]. A period of cold stratification is also said to be helpful[200]. Sow the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place in 4 - 6 weeks at 15°c[164]. Pot up the seedlings as soon as possible into individual pots and plant them out in the following spring[164]. Cuttings of greenwood, June in a frame with bottom heat[11]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[11]. Cuttings of nearly mature side shoots, firm at the base and 7 - 10cm long with a heel, October/November in a frame. Plants are well rooted after 12 months. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Coronilla scorpioides	Annual Scorpion Vetch, Yellow crownvetch	Annual	0.4	6-9		L	N	M	0	1	1
Coronilla varia	Crown Vetch	Perennial	0.3	4-9	F	LMH	N	DM	0	1	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

Botanical References

1150200

Links / References

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Readers comment


adolfo rosati	Thu Apr 21 18:13:57 2005

In central italy (and perhaps else where?) farmers made baskets with vigorous shoots derived by plants that have been pruned in winter. These shoots can be harvested when cambium is soft (right before sprouting in spring or the previous september after end-of-summer rain) and peeled and immediately put in sun to dry before they turn brown (oxidation). To peel them, they are forced trhough a crack in a wooden stick, held tight with one hand while the other hand pools the shoot. The bark is thus split in two halves and then removed by hand.

Coronilla emerus - L.