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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 claws
lady's fingers
see morelamb's toe
Mary's fingers
sand clover
woundwort
Synonyms
Anthyllis montana vulneraria
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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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