Anthyllis vulneraria
kidney vetch
A plant of open grassland, dunes and sea cliffs, usually calcareous, an annual or short-lived perennial, to 60cm tall, with spreading stems bearing pinnate mid-green leaves in leaflets, and paired heads of yellow, red tipped flowers, with densely silky-hairy bracts, in summer
Other common names
devil's clawslady's fingers
see morelamb's toe
Mary's fingers
sand clover
woundwort
Synonyms
Anthyllis montana vulneraria
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
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
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.