95574

Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea

Kidney vetch

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does not flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does flower in August

Plant does flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

  • Botanical name: Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea
  • Common name: Kidney vetch
  • Family: Papilionaceae
  • Plant Type: Perennial
Flower colour:

Red

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Blue​/​Green

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.

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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.

How to grow Anthyllis vulneraria

  • Plant size

    60cm height

    80cm spread

  • Aspect

    South facing, west facing

  • Position in border

    Front

  • Sun exposure: Full sun
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sow
Sow

Do not Sow in January

Do not Sow in February

Do not Sow in March

Do not Sow in April

Do not Sow in May

Do not Sow in June

Do not Sow in July

Do not Sow in August

Do Sow in September

Do Sow in October

Do Sow in November

Do not Sow in December

Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do Plant in May

Do Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do not Plant in September

Do not Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does not flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does flower in August

Plant does flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Anthyllis vulneraria and wildlife

Anthyllis vulneraria is known for attracting bees, birds and butterflies​/​moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Attractive to Bees

Does not attract Beneficial insects

Attractive to Birds

Attractive to Butterflies​/​Moths

Does not attract Other pollinators

Is Anthyllis vulneraria poisonous?

Anthyllis vulneraria has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Cats

No reported toxicity to Dogs

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People