Kidney vetch, Anthyllis vulneraria, is native to Britain, found on chalk and limestone grasslands, rocky outcrops and coastal habitats. It's a pretty plant with low-growing, pea-like foliage and red or yellow flowers. Kidney vetch is a valuable wildlife plant, providing food for beetle and moth larvae, and pollen and nectar for a wide range of pollinators, particularly bumblebees. It's the sole larval foodplant of the small blue butterfly.
Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea is a particularly striking variety, bearing bright red flowers. It's perfect for growing in a gravel garden or dry sunny border. For best results grow Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
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Anthyllis and wildlife
Anthyllis is known for attracting bees, birds and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
