Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea

The Anthyllis vulneraria var. coccinea is a type of kidney vetch known for its medicinal properties. Its bright orange-red flowers make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. This plant can grow in rocky areas and dry slopes, usually unsuitable for other plants. It is a perennial plant that can thrive in poor and dry soils, even limestone. It can also self-seed spontaneously in these types of environments.

Anthyllis vulneraria is an herbaceous plant found in dry meadows and fallow land across North America, Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It can also grow on the coast and in the Alps, up to 3000 m (9842ft) altitude. This plant has leafy stems and forms a small tuft of 25 cm (10in) tall and 30-40 cm (12-16in) wide.

The hairy leaves have a different appearance depending on their position on the stem: those at the base are entire, while those higher up are divided into unequal leaflets, the terminal one being larger. Flowering occurs from May to June to September. It takes the form of butterfly-shaped flowers gathered in dense and globose heads, with vermilion red colour and a yellow base that turns white. Bracts resembling small leaves surround each head. This flowering attracts butterflies. After pollination, small pods form, each containing a seed. Spontaneous sowings are common in gravel, tile joints and cracks.

An excellent plant on limestone, stony and poor soils, Anthyllis vulneraria, develops a long taproot that aerates the soil and improves its permeability. Its roots host bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil. Its flowers are an excellent food source for bumblebees and butterflies due to their shape and nectar. The entire plant is edible for many pets, and it feeds the caterpillars of several native butterflies. There are so many reasons to invite it into the garden!

Anthyllis vulneraria is also known as yellow clover or Alpine tea. In traditional pharmacopoeia, this plant was used to treat wounds, burns, and skin inflammation. The substance is thought to aid digestion and may help with coughs.