Kidney Vetch – Anthyllis Vulneraria
Kidney Vetch is a medium height perennial vetch with silky pinnate leaves and abundant small flowers which vary in colour from very pale yellow, to orange and even crimson. They flower from June to September. It is normally found in free draining calcareous soils on chalk and limestone grasslands. It is an important food for many insects, as the flowers are great nectar and pollen producers.
Best sown in the autumn. The germination is improved by scarifying the seed. It will quickly germinate and may initially be dominant if planted with other wild flowers. It is a short lived perrenial so to maintain the plants some soil disturbance will be beneficial.
