Anthyllis vulneraria aka Common Kidneyvetch

Anthyllis vulneraria, or kidney vetch, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range spans Europe, North Africa and southwest Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Other names include lady's fingers, sand clover and woundwort. It grows in open grassland, dunes and on sea cliffs. It also grows among stones, rocks and coastal shingle. These sites often have shallow, lime-rich soil.

Kidney vetch grows as an annual or short-lived perennial. Its spreading stems form a bushy plant with semi-evergreen leaves. The pinnate leaves have mid-green leaflets. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. The RHS description also records heights of 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Plants spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] wide. They reach their full size within one to two years. The low, spreading form suits open planting in informal beds.

Flowers appear in summer, grouped into paired heads. They are yellow with red tips. Dense, silky hairs cover the bracts around the flowers. The flower heads also have a recorded food use. PFAF lists the dried heads as a tea substitute. It gives the plant a low edibility rating of one out of five. This limited use does not establish that all parts are edible. PFAF lists no known hazards, rather than giving a broad safety guarantee.

Grow kidney vetch in full sun with freely draining soil. Poor to moderately fertile ground suits it. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Drainage remains important across these soil types. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. Sow seed in a cold frame during autumn. The plant needs no pruning. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems.

Kidney vetch suits rock gardens, gravel beds and coastal gardens. It also fits cottage gardens, wildflower meadows and wildlife planting. PFAF records wildlife value and nitrogen fixation. It lists no weed potential. The plant has a history of medicinal use. Sources describe roots, leaves and flowers in traditional remedies. External uses include minor wounds, bruises and skin complaints. Internal uses include constipation remedies and spring tonics. These records describe past uses, not proof of treatment benefits.