Crown Vetch vs New England Aster Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Crown Vetch
Securigera varia
Crown vetch is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its sprawling growth habit and showy clusters of pink to white flowers. It is commonly used for erosion control and roadside stabilization due to its extensive root system and ability to thrive in poor soils. It spreads aggressively via rhizomes and seeds, forming dense mats. While valued for its soil-binding properties, it can also become invasive, outcompeting native vegetation. It is primarily an outdoor plant and not suitable for indoor cultivation.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
The New England Aster is a robust, clump-forming perennial wildflower, typically reaching heights of 3-7 feet. It's characterized by its lance-shaped, clasping leaves and vibrant daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The flowers are typically purple or violet, with a yellow center disk. This plant is primarily an outdoor species, valued for its late-season color and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. It's rarely grown indoors due to its high light requirements and size.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Crown Vetch | New England Aster |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Once a week or less, depending on rainfall and soil drainage | Every 7-10 days outdoors, depending on rainfall and temperature. Container plants may need more frequent watering. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 15-25°C | 10-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Max Height | N/A (Outdoor plant) | Rarely grown indoors, but if attempted, expect 1-2 feet in a large container. |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil conditions | Well-drained soil, loamy or sandy soil is ideal. Tolerates a range of soil types. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly to control spread and prune as needed. | 15 minutes weekly outdoors during growing season for watering and deadheading. |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Crown Vetch
| Scientific Name | Securigera varia |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Native To | Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; naturalized in North America |
| Also Known As | Crown Vetch, Purple Crown Vetch, Coronilla varia |
| Leaves | Pinnately compound leaves with 9-25 leaflets. Leaflets are oblong to lanceolate, approximately 1-2 cm long, and arranged oppositely along the central stem. The leaves are typically green. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces clusters of pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The flower clusters are typically 2-3 cm in diameter and bloom from late spring to early fall. |
New England Aster
| Scientific Name | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | North America |
| Also Known As | New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, clasping leaves that are typically 3-6 inches long and arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are slightly rough to the touch and have a slightly hairy texture. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces daisy-like flowers with purple or violet petals and a yellow central disk. Flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Crown Vetch
New England Aster
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Crown Vetch
Methods: Seed, Rhizome division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seeds, scarify and soak them before planting. Rhizome division is best done in spring or fall. Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or soil.
New England Aster
Methods: Seed, Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or fall. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Sow seeds in fall or early spring.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Crown Vetch
Crown vetch is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and its aggressive spreading habit, making it useful for erosion control but also potentially invasive.
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Soil stabilization
- ✓ Nitrogen fixation
- ✓ Attracts pollinators
- ✓ Aesthetically pleasing groundcover
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
New England Aster
The New England Aster is known for its vibrant purple or violet flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, providing a crucial food source for pollinators when other flowers are fading. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and its deer resistance make it a valuable addition to many gardens.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- ✓ Provides late-season color, extending the garden's beauty.
- ✓ Deer resistance reduces garden damage.
- ✓ Relatively low maintenance once established.
- ✓ Adds a natural, wild aesthetic to the garden.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Crown Vetch
New England Aster
🌞 Light Requirements
Crown Vetch
Full sun
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
New England Aster
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Crown Vetch
Water deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
New England Aster
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In containers, ensure proper drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing and mushy stems.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Crown Vetch
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
New England Aster
Temperature: 10-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Crown Vetch
Securigera variaErosion control and roadside stabilization in areas where its invasive potential is not a concern.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You need a plant for erosion control on a sunny slope.
- You want a plant that can thrive in poor soil.
- You need a groundcover that can fix nitrogen in the soil.
- You want a plant with showy pink and white flowers.
- You need a plant that is drought-tolerant once established.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets or livestock that may ingest the plant.
- You are concerned about its invasive potential.
- You want a low-maintenance groundcover that doesn't require regular pruning.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliaeGardeners looking for late-season color and pollinator-attracting plants in their outdoor gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want to attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
- You need a plant that provides late-season color.
- You have a sunny garden spot with well-drained soil.
- You want a relatively low-maintenance perennial.
- You want a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a sunny outdoor location.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant.
- You live in a very humid climate where powdery mildew is prevalent.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Crown Vetch needs full sun, while New England Aster prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Crown Vetch Care Tips
Crown vetch is an outdoor plant that is not suitable for indoor cultivation. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and spreads aggressively. Due to its toxicity to pets and invasive potential, careful consideration should be given before planting.
- Control spread by using physical barriers or herbicides.
- Plant in well-drained soil to prevent crown rot.
- Monitor for signs of toxicity in pets and livestock.
- Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and prevent excessive spread.
- Scarify and soak seeds before planting to improve germination.
New England Aster Care Tips
New England Asters are primarily outdoor plants and are challenging to grow indoors due to their high light requirements and tendency to spread. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor attempts require supplemental lighting and careful monitoring of watering to prevent root rot. Expect limited flowering indoors.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Pinch back stems in late spring to promote bushier growth.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor for powdery mildew and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Crown Vetch
New England Aster
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Crown Vetch
What are the light requirements for Crown Vetch?
Crown Vetch requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. A south-facing location is ideal, but east or west-facing exposures can also work if they provide sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced flowering, and overall poor health.
How do I care for Crown Vetch?
Crown Vetch thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While it tolerates poor soil, amending with compost before planting improves growth. Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, Crown Vetch is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
How do I propagate Crown Vetch?
Crown Vetch can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and seed.
New England Aster
What are the light requirements for New England Aster?
New England Aster demands ample sunlight to produce its profuse blooms. Ideally, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing location is generally best, although east- or west-facing exposures can also work if they receive sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to diseases. If growing indoors, supplement natural light with grow lights, especially during the shorter days of fall and winter. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If the leaves start to turn pale or yellow, it may indicate that the plant is receiving too little light.
How do I care for New England Aster?
New England Aster thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back stems in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season. Divide established clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Provide support, such as staking, if the plants become too tall or leggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I propagate New England Aster?
New England Asters can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or seeds. For division, carefully dig up an established clump in early spring or fall and separate it into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in moist potting mix and keep them humid until roots develop. Seeds can be sown in early spring indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Ensure proper spacing for optimal growth.
Last updated: April 22, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.