Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) Coronilla valentina
Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) (Coronilla valentina) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Western and central Mediterranean. It grows 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western and central Mediterranean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves
Coronillas contain cardiac glycosides: do not eat any part.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla)
- How far apart should I plant Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) flower?
- From about January for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Coronillas contain cardiac glycosides: do not eat any part.
- What grows well with Shrubby scorpion vetch (coronilla)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- A rounded shrub of blue-green leaflets with rings of bright yellow, sweetly scented pea flowers from late winter into spring, and again in autumn (‘Citrina’ is lemon yellow). Excellent against a sunny wall.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis