Anthyllis vulneraria

The head vulnerary, in Latin Anthyllis vulneraria, is a plant of the Fabaceae or legume family known for its medicinal properties. It is also interesting in ornamental gardens for its long yellow or sometimes orange to red flowering, which brings colour to rocky areas and dry slopes, places where few plants thrive. Truly perennial in poor and dry soil, even limestone, it will self-seed there spontaneously.

Anthyllis vulneraria is a perennial herbaceous plant, very hardy, common in dry meadows and fallow land in a vast area ranging from North America to West Asia through North Africa and Europe. It can also be seen on the coast and in the Alps, up to an altitude of 3000 m (9842ft). This plant forms a small tuft of 25 cm (10in) in height, composed of leafy stems. 

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, most often yellow, but sometimes red, orange, cream, or purple, depending on the plants. 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.