Anthyllis vulneraria - Kidney Vetch
This generally low-growing member of the pea
family (Fabaceae) has unusual flower heads; they are in two parts. One side will be coming into bloom
while the other has semi-ripened seeds. Kidney vetch can be found on abandoned farmland, waysides and bare, stony ground as well as in coastal sand dune systems.
The colours vary quite a lot, from yellow through orange to red. In Northern Europe kidney
vetch blooms between April and September.
It is also a common plant in Southern Europe and throughout the Mediterranean region, where the pink-flowered form is more often seen.
The specimen above was growing on coastal cliffs in Pembrokeshire in July while the one below was photographed in the Algarve in April.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 2 - Seashores and Coastal Cliffs.
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