Common Kidney-Vetch
Anthyllis vulneraria
Also listed as Anthyllis collina, Anthyllis leguminosa
Also known as Kidney Vetch, Ladies’ Fingers, Lady's Fingers
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing perennial with dense clusters of colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, or bicolor. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, ideal for rock gardens and poor soils.
Why grow it
Kidney-vetch outperforms many ornamental legumes in establishing on poor, infertile soils without amendment, making it practical for erosion control or marginal sites where other perennials struggle. Its dense flower clusters attract pollinators reliably across seasons, and individual plants require minimal water once established, reducing maintenance compared to conventional garden perennials in dry climates.
Watch out for
In areas with consistent moisture and rich soil, kidney-vetch may develop leggy growth or succumb to fungal issues; it performs best with lean conditions and good drainage. Seedlings can be slow to establish in the first year, so patience and consistent (but not excessive) watering during initial growth helps ensure survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing perennial with dense clusters of colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, or bicolor. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, ideal for rock gardens and poor soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Kidney-Vetch grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Kidney-vetch outperforms many ornamental legumes in establishing on poor, infertile soils without amendment, making it practical for erosion control or marginal sites where other perennials struggle. Its dense flower clusters attract pollinators reliably across seasons, and individual plants require minimal water once established, reducing maintenance compared to conventional garden perennials in dry climates.
Watch out for
In areas with consistent moisture and rich soil, kidney-vetch may develop leggy growth or succumb to fungal issues; it performs best with lean conditions and good drainage. Seedlings can be slow to establish in the first year, so patience and consistent (but not excessive) watering during initial growth helps ensure survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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