The two genera Coronilla and Securigera are closely related by the shared presence of lomentaceous, dehiscent fruits within the tribe Loteae, within which they form a close relationship that has resulted in taxonomists moving taxa between the two genera (Sokoloff and Lock 2005), as such Securigera varia (L.) Larssen is also widely know under its synonym Coronilla varia L., but Euro+Med PlantBase (2006) have recently accepted that Securigera varia (L.) Larssen should be the accepted name. Of the 12 Securigera species recognised by Euro+Med PlantBase only Securigera varia is cultivated as a forage species.   

European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

Securigera varia is a common species and there appear to be no major threats. It is found in several habitats which are not threatened within Europe and populations appear to be stable; therefore, it is regionally assessed as Least Concern.

Native to middle, east, southeastern and southwestern Europe, western and middle Asia, the Caucasus and Siberia (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2010).

In France Securigera varia is widespread, occurs in all departments with the exceptions of four departments to the northwest (Morbihan, Manche, Seine-Maritime and Hauts-de-Seine) and one department to the far south (Pyrénées Orientales), also absent from Corsica (Association Tela Botanica 2010).

The exact population size is unknown, but the species is considered relatively common throughout its range and populations are believed to be stable.

Stony slopes and in deciduous woods and scrub. Cultivated ground as a weed. Adapted to a range of soils, but prefers neutral to high pH with a range of 4.8 to 7.8 (Bennett et al. 2001).

There are no major threats.

Cultivated for fodder and forage; wild populations may harbour important genetic diversity for crop improvement. Also used for erosion control and as an ornamental (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2010).

EURISCO reports 54 germplasm accessions held in European genebanks, 38 of which are reported to be of wild or weedy origin. Of the wild accessions, 25 originate from within Europe (EURISCO Catalogue 2010).