Horseshoe-vetch (Hippocrepis comosa, Sp. Pl.: 744 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 744 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hippocrepis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

Horseshoe-vetch, scientifically known as Hippocrepis comosa, is a unique and interesting plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species was meticulously classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, indicated by the author abbreviation “L.”

Found natively across various regions of Europe, Horseshoe-vetch is known for its distinctive growth patterns and vibrant blooms. This particular vetch derives its common name from the horseshoe-like shape of its seed pods, a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other vetch species.

The plant itself typically flourishes in grasslands and other open habitats, where it can often be seen carpeting the ground with its striking clusters of bright yellow flowers. These blossoms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing a source of nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Horseshoe-vetch exhibits a creeping or trailing growth habit, which enables it to form dense mats that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. This resilience and adaptability make it a valuable plant for soil conservation efforts. Additionally, like many members of the Fabaceae family, Horseshoe-vetch engages in symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil with essential nutrients and promoting the health of surrounding plant communities.

Beyond its ecological advantages, Horseshoe-vetch also holds significance in traditional folk medicine and herbal practices in some European cultures. Although less commonly used today, it historically contributed to various herbal remedies, showcasing the plant’s diverse utility.

Overall, Hippocrepis comosa or Horseshoe-vetch is a fascinating species with multiple ecological roles and historical contexts, reflecting the intricate interplay between flora and the broader environment in which it thrives. Whether observed for its beauty, its environmental contributions, or its historical uses, this plant remains a notable part of Europe’s rich botanical heritage.

Common Names

Dan: gul hesteskovikke
Eng: horseshoe vetch, horseshoe-vetch
Deu: hufeisenklee, schopfiger hufeisenklee
Fra: hippocrépide en ombelle
Swe: hästskoväppling, hästskoklöver
Nld: paardenhoefklaver
Cym: cam y march, ewnof, ewnof gwyllt, ewnofiau gwyllt, ewnofiau gwylltion pys y bedol, ffacbys pedol, ffacbysen bedol, pedol y march
En: Horseshoe-vetch, Horseshoe vetch, Horse shoe vetch, Horse-vetch, Horse-shoe Vetch
Ar: حدوة الحصان طويلة الشعر
Bg: Обикновена конска подкова
Ca: Desferracavalls
Cs: Podkovka chocholatá
Da: Gul Hestesko, Gul hesteskovikke
Nl: Gewone paardenhoefklaver, Paardenhoefklaver, Gewone Paardehoefklaver
Fi: Nystyhevonpalko
Fr: Fer-à-cheval, Hippocrépide en Ombelle, Fer a cheval, Fer à cheval, Hippocrépide à toupet, Hippocrépide chevelue, Hippocrépis à toupet, Hippocrépis chevelu, Hippocrepis à toupet
De: Gemeiner Hufeisenklee, Gewöhnlicher Hufeisenklee, Hufeisenklee, Schopfiger Hufeisenklee, Hufklee, Pferdehuf, Schopf-Hufeisenklee
It: Sferracavallo comune
Pl: Konikleca czubata
Sk: Podkovka chochlatá
Es: Navadna podkvica, Herraduras, Hierba de la herradura
Sv: Hästskoväppling, Hästskoklöver
Tr: Katırkuyruğu
Cy: Ffacbysen bedol, Cam y March, Ewnof, Ewnof Gwyllt, Ewnofiau Gwyllt, Ewnofiau Gwylltion Pys y Bedol, Ffacbys Pedol, Pedol y March

Synonyms

• Coronilla comosa ((L.) Prantl)
• Hippocrepis comosa subsp. macedonica ((Degen & Urum.) Kožuharov)
• Hippocrepis rolandi var. macrocarpa (Sennen)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. rolandi ((Sennen) Hrabětová)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. lignescens (Hrabětová)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. burgalensis ((Sennen) Hrabětová)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. broteana (Hrabětová)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. alpina (Rouy)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. alpestris ((Arv.-Touv.) Rouy)
• Hippocrepis comosa subvar. microphylla (Rouy)
• Hippocrepis burgalensis (Sennen)
• Hippocrepis atlantica (Durieu ex Munby)
• Hippocrepis rolandi (Sennen)
• Hippocrepis alpestris (Arv.-Touv.)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. major (Rouy)
• Hippocrepis heterocarpa (Sennen)
• Hippocrepis helvetica (G.Don)
• Hippocrepis perennis (Lam.)
• Hippocrepis comosa var. prostrata (Boiss.)
• Hippocrepis montgronyana (Sennen & Pau)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Elisabeth Ellu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Miras Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu Sinet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Paul HUGBART (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Sergio-OMA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by gabouille (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2020 by anne marie chaignon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 4, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:498352-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5353750)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hippocrepis comosa L.)

Specifications

Growth