Vetch, Kidney (Anthyllis vulneraria), packet of 20 seeds, organic

Family:  Legume (Fabaceae) Hardy to Zones 6 to 10 (Kidney Vetch, Ladies’ Fingers) Herbaceous perennial native to Europe and flowering yellow to about 8 inches.  Plant prefers full sun to part shade and calcerous soils or regular garden soils.  I frequently see this growing in the wild on the Pacific Coast, and it is relatively famous for doing well around beaches, sea cliffs, etc.  With its soft and pretty, globular flowers and forgiving, slightly downy foliage, this is always a glad sight. Traditional usage (TWM): emollient, wound healer.  In the herbalscape, this easy creeper fixes nitrogen and provides nectar for an extended timeperiod from midspring through midsummer, and again, sometimes, with the fall rains.  Scarify the seed on medium sandpaper and sow in spring.  An overnight soak will speed germination, which takes 1 to 3 weeks.  Barely cover with soil, tamp well.  Easy to sow in place, or if you like, sow in pots.  Excellent for open garden, grasslands, rock gardens, or potted culture. Space plants 6 inches to 1 foot apart. 20 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown