Coronilla scorpioides
Care, watering, light and tips for Coronilla scorpioides on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Coronilla scorpioides
Coronilla scorpioides, known as scorpion vetch, is a small annual herbaceous legume forming low, spreading mats. Its bright yellow flowers, clustered in small inflorescences, resemble a scorpion's tail, hence its common name. It's ideal for rockeries, path edges, or as ground cover in dry, sunny gardens.
Native range
Mediterranean region, from Southern Europe to North Africa and the Middle East.
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones, avoiding waterlogging at all costs. It requires moderate watering once established, being quite drought-tolerant. It does not need frequent fertilization, and a common mistake is overwatering, which can rot its roots. It is a robust plant that adapts well to difficult conditions.
How to save a dying Coronilla scorpioides
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown falling leaves, soft or wilted stems.
- First aid
- Repot into a pot with excellent drainage and sandy soil. Water only when substrate is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if root rot is not too advanced and you act quickly.