Alpine kidney vetch

Family Fabaceae. Hardy perennial. Zone 4. Occurs throughout Europe and from North Africa to East Asia.

Plant 10 cm tall with prostrate stems, bright bracts and yellow spikes of flowers resembling clover flowers. Also found is mountain kidney vetch (Anthyllis montana) 10 cm tall with grey-green foliage and pink inflorescences, zone 4.

They require a sunny position and well-drained soil. Sow preferably in late autumn. For spring sowing, cold stratification is necessary. Initially seeds are kept at 18–22°C for 2–4 weeks, then cooled to -4 to +4°C for 4–6 weeks.