Crown vetch. 
F—494718 
F-154818 
FLOWERS AND A BLANKET OF GREEN 
Forbs 
Forbs (herbs that are not grasses or grasslike) are noted for the 
attractive flowers that complement the beauty of other vegetation. 
At the same time they protect the soil from erosion and provide food 
and cover for wildlife. Forbs belonging to the legume family are 
particularly desirable because, in conjunction with bacteria that fix 
nitrogen from the air, they greatly improve soil fertility. The follow- 
ing are a few of the more desirable forbs that help beautify a 
landscape: 
Crown vetch. One of the most attractive and useful legumes, 
this species has been long naturalized in the Northeastern States. 
It is an herbaceous perennial with strong rootstocks, creeping stems, 
and a reclining habit. It has pinnate leaves and spherical heads of 
pink flowers. 
Sericea lespedeza. This is another well-naturalized legume that 
has been found to be one of the most valuable erosion-control plants 
in the stabilization of highway embankments in the Southeastern 
States. The flowers are greenish yellow; the mass effect of the leafy 
stems is very pleasing. This perennial is about 3 feet high, with deep 
roots and trifoliolate, cloverlike leaves. In addition to its value in 
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