Hippocrepis emerus

Hippocrepis emerus, commonly known as the Horseshoe Vetch, is a perennial plant in the Fabaceae family. Native to Europe, it thrives in dry grasslands, heaths, and rocky areas. This plant grows up to 50 cm tall and features a woody stem with small leaves divided into three leaflets. Its yellow flowers, each marked with a horseshoe-shaped pattern on the petals, bloom from May to August. Horseshoe Vetch is a crucial food source for various butterfly species, including the Adonis Blue butterfly, which lays its eggs on the plant's leaves. Additionally, the plant contains flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties, lending it some medicinal potential. However, due to its potential to cause photosensitivity in some individuals when applied topically or ingested in large amounts, it should be used with caution.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Hippocrepis

Family

Fabaceae

Hardiness Zone

7-8

Mature Height

2.13 m

Mature Spread

2.13 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Size

2.54 cm

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Planting Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (9)

Common Names (3)