Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa)

Yellow wild Flowering Perennial found only on calcareous grassland in England. The unusual circular flower heads appear in May through to July, providing pollen and nectar that attract butterflies, moths, Bee’s and other insects.

The long narrow leaves are made up of 4-5 pairs of leaflets ending with a single leaflet. The flower’s are followed by the fruits or seed pod’s which when ripe curl to form a horse-shoe shape, giving this wild flower it’s name.

Plant Information

• Name: Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa)
• Group: Fabaceae (pea family)
• Type: Perennial
• Similar appearance to: Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
• Flowering: May to July
• Position: Sun calcareous grassland
• Height: around 10cm
• Larval food plant: Chalkhill Blue Butterfly (Lysandra coridon), Adonis Blue Butterfly, Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus), Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages)
• Nectar plant: Chalkhill blue, Common blue, Mother Shipton (Callistege mi)
• Photograph: 25th May 2010
• Location: Barnack Hills and Holes (NNR).