Native to Europe, Asia and Africa, crownvetch was introduced in the United States in the 1950’s as ground cover for highway projects and erosion control. It has naturalized and spread quickly to become a noxious weed designee in many states. It will dominate open pastures and crown out other plant growth. Crownvetch is toxic to horses and other non-ruminants because of concentrations of nitroglycosides. For ruminates such as bovines and sheep, it is considered good forage with ample protein and fiber.
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