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Herbaceous Perennial

Hippocrepis comosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

horseshoe vetch

A vigorous, creeping woody-based perennial, about 40cm tall, with mid-green leaves to 10cm long divided into leaflets, and bearing heads of up to 12 lemon-yellow flowers from late spring to late summer

Other common names
unshoe-the-horse
Synonyms
Coronilla comosa
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Hippocrepis are herbaceous perennials or shrubs, with pinnate leaves and yellow, pea-like flowers followed by long, narrow pods

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, propagate by root cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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