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Herbaceous Perennial

Anthyllis vulneraria
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 claws
lady's fingers
see morelamb's toe
Mary's fingers
sand clover
woundwort
plucen felen
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
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
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 GB / Ireland
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

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