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Anthyllis vulneraria - L.

Common Name Kidney Vetch
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry situations on sea cliffs, stony rocks and shingle, usually on shallow calcareous soils[9, 13, 17].
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to the Caucasus and N. Africa.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Anthyllis_vulneraria_clean.jpg
Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anthyllis_vulneraria_002.JPG

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Anthyllis vulneraria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The dried flower heads are a tea substitute[9].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiemetic  Antitussive  Astringent  Laxative  Vulnerary

The roots leaves and flowers are antitussive, astringent, laxative and vulnerary[7, 9, 13, 21]. This plant is an ancient remedy for skin eruptions, slow-healing wounds, minor wounds, cuts and bruises, it is applied externally[9]. Internally, it is used as a treatment for constipation and as a spring tonic[9]. The plant can be used fresh in the growing season, or harvested when in flower and dried for later use[9].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position[200] and an alkaline soil[7, 13, 17, 21]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8. Prefers a sandy loam[1, 7]. Thrives in poor soils[200]. A rich food source for bees, butterflies and caterpillars[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. If there is sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ. Pre-soak the seed for about 12 hrs or scarify the seed[134]. It usually germinates in 1 -2 months at 10°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Marinella Zepigi Pessina   Sun Oct 29 2006

Il Forum dei Funghi e Fiori in Italia - Micologia e Botanica scheda

Marinella Zepigi   Tue Jun 10 2008

Acta plantarum forum botanico Description -Photos - Anthyllis vulneraria L.

   May 11 2012 12:00AM

Soaking the seeds in warm water seems the way to go. I soaked some in warm water for half an hour on 05/05/12, I felt this may have been too long, however, the seeds are all germinating outside, as cold as it's been, by 11/05/12. I soaked a second batch in vinegar as per some instructions on line. Not a good idea. Almost all of the seeds fell apart, but the ones that didn't are showing signs of germination so maybe soaking for five minutes would be okay. Last year I sowed a tray with no soaking, I probably got just five germinating.

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Subject : Anthyllis vulneraria  
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