Mountain kidney vetch (Anthyllis montana, Sp. Pl.: 719 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 719 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anthyllis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Europe, Algeria

Description

Mountain kidney vetch, scientifically known as Anthyllis montana, is a fascinating species that forms part of the Fabaceae family. This perennial herb is native to the diverse landscapes of Central and Southern Europe, extending its natural habitat as far south as Algeria.

Mountain kidney vetch thrives in well-drained soils often found in alpine meadows and rocky outcrops, where it contributes to the floral biodiversity with its striking appearance. The plant’s robust structure typically reaches a height of 10 to 30 centimeters, making it perfectly adapted to withstand the harsh conditions of its mountainous environments.

The foliage of Anthyllis montana is characteristically composed of pinnate leaves, which are divided into several pairs of leaflets. These leaves provide a soft, velvety texture, a feature that not only enhances the plant’s beauty but also offers some protection against the elements.

One of the most distinctive attributes of Mountain kidney vetch is its flowering clusters. The blossoms usually appear in dense, round heads that are quite eye-catching. These flowers range in color from pale pink to deep purplish hues, and sometimes exhibit a bright, sunny yellow. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, the flowers not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.

The seed pods of Anthyllis montana form shortly after flowering and are equally distinctive. They are typically small, hairy structures that contain the seeds essential for the plant’s reproduction and spread.

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts admire Anthyllis montana not just for its beauty but also for its hardiness. Its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens and other low-maintenance landscaping projects.

Ultimately, mountain kidney vetch has been a subject of botanical interest since it was first described by Linnaeus in 1753. Its adaptability, ecological importance, and visual appeal continue to make it a valued species in both natural and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Deu: bergwundklee
Swe: alpgetväppling
Cat: antil.lis de muntanya
En: Mountain Kidney Vetch, Mountain Kidney-vetch
Bg: Планинска раменка
Ca: Antil·lis de muntanya, Antil.lis de muntanya
Zh: 山地绒毛花
Fr: Vulnéraire des montagnes, Anthyllide des montagnes, Anthyllis des montagnes
De: Bergwundklee, Berg-Wundklee
It: Vulneraria montana
Es: Vulneraria
Sv: Alpgetväppling
Zh-tw: 山地絨毛花
: Mountain kidney vetch

Synonyms

• Barba-jovis montana ((L.) Moench)
• Vulneraria montana ((L.) Scop.)
• Pogonitis montana ((L.) Fourr.)
• Anthyllis montana var. genuina (Rouy)
• Anthyllis montana var. atropurpurea (Vuk.)
• Anthyllis montana var. intermedia (Rouy)
• Anthyllis montana f. hispanica ((Degen & Hervier) É.Rev.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Jose Maria Treviño Ferrer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by João Barata João (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Ilaria Pozzi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yves Lejeune (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Sandro P. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by Diego Naranjo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yves Lejeune (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Jose Maria Treviño Ferrer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Monterde Pep (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Coronado Guillermo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Xavi Ferrer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by victor belloc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Isabelle Saffrey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Emmanuel Torquebiau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 13, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5352354)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:474731-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anthyllis montana L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 2