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Herbaceous Perennial
Anthyllis vulneraria
kidney vetch
A plant of open grassland, dunes and sea cliffs, usually calcareous. Erect to procumbent, with paired heads of yellow to red flowers, the calyces densely white-hairy
Other common names
devil's clawslady's fingers
see morelamb's toe
Mary's fingers
sand clover
woundwort
Synonyms
Anthyllis montana vulneraria
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Anthyllis can be annuals, herbaceous perennials or shrubs, with pinnate or palmate leaves and short, dense racemes of small pea-like flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Coastal
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
None required
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally trouble free
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