Anthyllis montana
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🍎fruit (5)
🌳bark (1)
🌿habit (5)
🌱other (5)

Anthyllis montana

Mountain Kidney Vetch · Alps anthyllis

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
41
Observations
1,553

Description

Source: leafsnap

Anthyllis montana (syn. Vulneraria montana Scopoli), the mountain kidney vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the mountains of Southern Europe and parts of the Alps. Growing to 30 cm (12 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) broad, it is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial. The leaves are divided into numerous fern-like leaflets and are silky and grey-green in colour. The white, pink or purple clover-like flower-heads are borne in spring and summer. The Latin specific epithet montana refers to mountains or coming from mountains.In cultivation, it is suitable for the alpine or rock garden. The cultivar 'Rubra' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It does best in full sun, and typically propagates by seeds.The flowers are used to make an herbal tisane that is said to ease digestion.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Mountain kidney vetch thrives in rocky terrains and requires watering only once every 2-3 weeks. It prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot, making it an excellent choice for arid environments and alpine gardens, where moisture is limited and drought tolerance is essential.

FAQ
What's the best way to water my Mountain kidney vetch?

To ensure excellent root development, consider these watering tips for your plants. First, place a garden hose at the base of each plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, as this can cause issues. If your plants are situated outdoors and receive direct sunlight, the leaves will require more water. To moisten the roots efficiently, you can use bubblers or soaker hoses for each plant. When adding or removing plants, remember to use soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed, allowing the roots to be thoroughly watered. After watering, make sure to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level is important to prevent diseases. On sunny days, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. It's worth noting that whether your plants are potted or in the ground, Mountain kidney vetch prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What do I do if I give Mountain kidney vetch too much or too little water?

When Mountain kidney vetch is overwatered, its leaves can turn yellow, drop off, and wilt, giving the plant a dull and unhealthy appearance. Mushy stems are also a sign of overwatering. If you notice these signs, try adjusting your watering schedule. However, wilting can also indicate under watering. In this case, the leaves will become crispy and dry. To determine if the plant needs water, check the soil. If it is dry, give the plant a thorough watering. Although this will help the Mountain kidney vetch recover, the leaves may still appear dry and yellow due to damage to the root system. Once the plant has fully recovered, the yellowing of the leaves will stop. When growing Mountain kidney vetch indoors, regularly check the moisture levels in the pot. Avoid overwatering and watch for signs of black spots, which may indicate root issues. In such cases, allow the soil to dry by withholding water for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you observe discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. Always take steps to prevent root rot and avoid excessively soggy soil. When planting Mountain kidney vetch outdoors, make sure to dig deep enough. If the soil feels too dry when you check with your fingers, it may indicate under watering. Adequate watering is necessary for the plant to recover.

How frequently should I water my Mountain kidney vetch plant?

The Mountain kidney vetch prefers deep and infrequent watering, especially when it's planted in pots. Pots have limited water storage, so the soil dries out faster. In cold regions, water the plant every 3 to 5 days, preferably in the morning when the soil is dry. Check the soil inside the pot to determine if watering is needed. If the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, give the plant a thorough watering. During hot days, monitor the soil moisture daily, as heat can quickly dry out the pot's soil. If you have a garden, irrigation is necessary. In hot climates, water once a week when about 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes too dry. Take into account the amount of rainwater the plant receives and avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. During spring and fall, when the plant is outdoors, apply mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve water. Sandy soil drains faster, so water more frequently. Clay soil requires less frequent watering, allowing the plant to dry for 2-3 days to prevent root rot. Keep track of watering dates on a calendar and pay attention to drooping leaves, which indicate if watering is overdue.

How much water should I give my Mountain kidney vetch?

The Mountain kidney vetch plant requires about a gallon of water on a regular basis. For potted plants, it is important to water them deeply until the water starts dripping from the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering again, and you can use a water calculator or moisture meter to track the amount of water given to the plant in a week. During the flowering period, provide ample water but allow the excess moisture to evaporate to avoid root rot. If the Mountain kidney vetch plant is grown outdoors with sufficient rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. However, when the plant is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the plant matures, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only during hot weather or extended periods without rainfall (2-3 weeks), consider watering the plant fully during cooler times of the day to prevent damage from high heat. Additional watering is needed during persistent dry spells.

Should I water my Mountain kidney vetch more or less depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Mountain kidney vetch requires rainwater and only needs additional watering during long periods of dry weather. During the spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not wet in order to promote the plant's growth. It thrives with alternating dry and moist soil conditions. In hot summer weather, water can evaporate quickly, so extra watering may be necessary to keep the plant moist if there is a lack of rainfall. During winter, the plant needs less water as it goes dormant. In this period, it is beneficial to place the plant in a well-draining soil mixture to help water evaporate more easily. Once the plant begins to leaf out in the spring, watering can be skipped as it can rely on rainwater during the dormant period. After spring, the plant can be encouraged to grow and bloom by cultivating it when the temperature becomes warmer. Good drainage is important for the plant at all times, especially during winter. If the plant is in a pot, it has limited root growth, so it should be watered well, particularly in summer. Shallow sprinkles should be avoided as they encourage fungal growth and do not reach the root system effectively. During fall and winter, the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely even during dormancy. Overwatering should also be avoided as the plant does not tolerate sitting in water for too long, which can be fatal during winter. Mulching can be beneficial to reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooming.

☀️ Light Full sun

Mountain kidney vetch is found in open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which supply abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Mountain Kidney Vetch?

Mountain Kidney Vetch requires full sun, which is above 6 hours of sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden is important to find spots that offer the right balance of light and shade, ensuring the best conditions for your plants.

How does Mountain Kidney Vetch adapt to various sunlight conditions?

Originating from sunny meadows and forest edges, Mountain Kidney Vetch thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun. These environments provide ample light, mimicking the plant's natural habitat and allowing it to adapt well to different sunlight conditions.

What artificial lighting is recommended for indoor plants?

For indoor plants, especially in conditions where natural sunlight is insufficient, artificial lights are essential. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to be customized for specific plant needs. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants will need 8-12 hours of light per day.

What symptoms indicate Mountain Kidney Vetch is receiving insufficient light?

Symptoms of insufficient light in Mountain Kidney Vetch include small or lighter-colored new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These signs suggest the plant is not receiving adequate sunlight or is experiencing excessive sunlight exposure.

How can I address light deficiency symptoms in Mountain Kidney Vetch?

To address light deficiency, gradually increase sunlight exposure to at least 6 hours daily by moving the plant to a sunnier location each week. Use south-facing windows and consider artificial lighting for indoor plants. For outdoor plants, avoid sudden light intensity changes to prevent sunburn. Pruning or relocating plants can reduce obstructions and improve sunlight access. Note that some symptoms may be irreversible, but new growth will be healthy with proper light exposure.

🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Mountain kidney vetch is highly adaptable to a range of climates, whether in searing summers or frigid winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to provide insulation to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
FAQ
What is Mountain Kidney Vetch?

Mountain Kidney Vetch, scientifically known as Anthyllis montana, is a plant species. Unfortunately, the provided data does not include details on its essentials or symptoms related to it.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The timing of fertilizing Mountain kidney vetch is critical. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Mountain kidney vetch displays striking flowers and benefits from early spring pruning. To promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms, trim any leggy stems and remove dead wood. Ensuring good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases, while regular pruning encourages denser foliage, increasing its ornamental value and longevity.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Anthyllis
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Spread
61 cm
Leaf Color
Gray, Silver
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Mountain Kidney Vetch
en Alps anthyllis