Scorpion vetch Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina'
ABOUT
Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina', commonly known as the shrubby scorpion vetch, is an ornamental plant with a bushy growth habit. The leaves are compound with small, oblong leaflets that exhibit a glaucous, or blue-green, hue which provides an attractive silvery foliage. This distinctive bluish-green coloring makes the shrubby scorpion vetch stand out in the garden setting. The plant is well-known for its delightful flowers. The blossoms are a soft, lemon-yellow shade and typically appear in small, rounded clusters that resemble an umbrella-like shape. The flowering period extends from late winter through to spring, providing cheerful color during a time when few other plants are in bloom. Each individual flower is a petite, pea-like shape, characteristic of the Fabaceae family to which it belongs. As for the overall demeanor of the shrubby scorpion vetch, it exudes a delicate and airy feel, with the fine texture of its foliage and the gentle cascade of its cheerful yellow blossoms. The foliage remains evergreen, offering year-round interest even when the plant is not in flower. While the size of the plant can vary, discussing the specific dimensions of the shrubby scorpion vetch is beyond the scope of this description. However, it is the combination of the elegant silvery leaves and the clusters of soft yellow flowers that defines the charming appearance of the shrubby scorpion vetch in gardens and landscaping arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Scorpion Vetch, Shrubby Scorpion-Vetch, Blue Scorpion Vetch, Glaucous Scorpion Vetch, Yellow Crown Vetch
Common names
Hippocrepis glauca, Coronilla glauca, Coronilla valentina var. glauca.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly referred to as Scorpion vetch is toxic to humans. All parts of Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina' contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and even respiratory failure. Severe cases may lead to coma or death. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion and to prevent children from consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Scorpion vetch is also toxic to pets. Its ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, seizures, and death. Pets should be prevented from eating any part of this plant due to its potential to cause serious health issues or even prove fatal.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Coronilla valentina 'Citrina' adds vibrant color to gardens with its yellow, pea-like flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for dry or xeric landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond basic pruning, watering, and occasional feeding.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest with evergreen leaves and flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring.
- Erosion Control: The plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
- Deer Resistance: Often resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Fencing: Coronilla valentina can be grown as a living fence, providing a boundary that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing due to its bright yellow flowers.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, making it an ideal plant for controlling erosion on slopes and banks.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The flowers of Coronilla valentina can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for fabrics, though it is not a well-known use.
- Floral Arrangements: The attractive flowers can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a splash of color to bouquets.
- Companion Planting: It can be planted alongside vegetable gardens as it is believed to attract beneficial insects that aid in pollination.
- Garden Aesthetic: The plant is used to create variations in height and texture within garden beds, contributing to overall design schemes.
- Habitat Creation: It can act as a habitat for wildlife, providing shelter and fodder for small animals and insects.
- Natural Fertilizer: When its foliage decomposes, it contributes to the soil as a natural fertilizer, enriching it with organic matter.
- Photography: Its vibrant flowers and overall structure provide great photographic opportunities for nature photographers.
- Edible Landscaping: Although not commonly eaten, some parts of the plant are technically edible and can be incorporated in edible landscaping with caution and proper knowledge.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coronilla is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coronilla is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism: The bright yellow flowers of the Scorpion Vetch are a harbinger of spring and are often associated with positivity and the promise of good things to come.
- Protection: In some traditions, the Scorpion Vetch is considered a protector against evil and misfortune, perhaps because it is a hardy plant that can thrive in challenging conditions.
- Friendship: The cheerful appearance and the tendency of the Scorpion Vetch to return year after year can symbolize longstanding and resilient friendships.
- Patience: The plant's growth pattern, blooming regally over time, embodies patience and the understanding that some things in life unfurl at their own necessary pace.
- Persistence: Scorpion Vetch's ability to persist in less-than-ideal soil conditions makes it a symbol of the tenacity and determination in adversity.
WaterThe shrubby scorpion vetch (Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina') should be watered deeply but infrequently, making sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. As a drought-tolerant plant, it does not require frequent watering, so providing about 1 gallon of water every couple of weeks during the growing season is usually sufficient. During the winter months, reduce watering even further to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before deciding to water again.
LightShrubby scorpion vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does best when receiving direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Place the plant in a bright spot where it can enjoy the morning sun and is protected from the harsh afternoon rays during the peak of summer, or provide it with gentle filtered light if grown in very hot climates.
TemperatureThe shrubby scorpion vetch prefers a Mediterranean climate with temperate conditions. An ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 80°F, but it can survive brief periods of cooler temperatures down to 30°F. It's not well-suited for extreme cold and should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the plant.
PruningShrubby scorpion vetch should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage bushier growth. Light pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Periodic trimming throughout the growing season can also be done to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Scorpion vetch thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two-thirds loam and one-third sand or perlite is ideal for providing the necessary drainage and aeration.
RepottingShrubby Scorpion vetch should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container. Early spring is the best time to repot this plant to allow for vigorous growth during its active season.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Scorpion vetch prefers moderate humidity levels but is relatively adaptable and can tolerate the dry air of most indoor environments. There is no need for any special humidity adjustments when growing this plant indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light and moderate watering suit it best indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleCoronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina', commonly known as Scorpion Senna, begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds, which occurs in warm spring weather after a period of cold stratification, which simulates winter conditions. Following germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and producing a rosette of blue-green leaves. The plant enters a vegetative growth phase, characterized by the expansion of its foliage and stem development; during this period, it may also begin to form symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria, aiding in nitrogen fixation. As the Scorpion Senna matures, it reaches the flowering stage, likely in late spring or early summer, producing pale yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees. After successful pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into seed pods that resemble a scorpion's tail, and once mature, these pods release seeds to start the next generation. Lastly, in its perennial life cycle, Scorpion Senna may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, only to resume growth and flowering in subsequent seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina', also known as the Shrubby Scorpion Vetch, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This is usually done in late summer. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a section that is about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm). The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not water-logged. A plastic bag or a propagator can be used to maintain humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to outside conditions before planting out.
