Crown Vetch

[Golfer]

Spotted a good-sized colony of crown vetch (Securigera varia) on the London-bound bank of the railway line just 100 yards past Purley Oaks station, near Croydon, this evening. Never seen it before, but the light rosy pink flowers in a circular cluster seems pretty unlike any other pea, according to my field guides. No pictures yet – a chain link fence prevents that, unless I can manhandled a step-ladder to the location. My New Atlas of the British Flora has it with a scattered distribution, but spreading. Any more sightings?

[aeshna5]

There is (or was) a large plant in Greenford Country Park, where we also have a fair bit of Adam's favourite- Goat's-rue!

[Andy Warne]

The only place I've seen it is at Ketton Quarry, a wildlife trust reserve in Rutland.