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kidneyvetch

Scientific Name: Anthyllis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria)

Also known as Common Kidneyvetch, Woundwort, and Ladies' Fingers, Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) is a perennial herb belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae.

Considerations for Pets

  • Kidney Vetch is described as having a "fuzzy look" and growing on "woolly cushions."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Anthyllis vulneraria
  • Common Names: Kidney Vetch, Common Kidneyvetch, Woundwort, Ladies' Fingers
  • Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae or Pea Family)
  • Genus: Anthyllis
  • Species: vulneraria
  • Synonyms: The text refers to Woundwort and Ladies' Fingers as alternative names.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Europe, Kidney Vetch is now found throughout Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and America.
  • It is scattered across the UK on dry grassland, often near the sea, and flourishes on chalky grasslands.
  • Common habitats include dry situations on sea cliffs and stony rocks.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Kidney Vetch is a short to medium height plant characterized by its silky pinnate leaves.
  • It features flower heads crowded with small yellow flowers sitting atop little woolly cushions.
  • Flowers can be yellow, orange, red, purple, or white.
  • The plant has a perennial growth habit and can be biennial or annual.
  • It typically has a robust taproot and a procumbent or erect stem that grows from 8 to 16 inches.

Traditional Uses

  • The name "vulneraria" means "wound healer," reflecting its historical medicinal use.
  • It has been used traditionally, externally, to promote wound healing and internally in traditional medicine.
  • Historically used medicinally for kidney disorders.

Quirky Facts

  • In Maltese, Shrubby Kidney Vetch is known as Il-?atba Sewda.
  • Kidney Vetch is described to "revitalize depleted systems or circumstances" and describes its gifts as "Cleansing is my strength."

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Males may establish territories in sheltered positions, perching on tall grass or scrub.

Further Information

  • Information can be found at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).