Lady Fingers (Flower)?

Question:

Would anyone know of a flower called Lady Fingers? I have not heard of this for a while. I also cannot find them anywhere. Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Deb from Norfolk, NE

Answer:

Deb,

The only flower that comes to mind is the common kidney vetch, Anthyllis vulneraria, also commonly referred to as lady's fingers. This is a perennial herb in the pea family that is native to the rocky hills and coastline slopes of Europe and parts of northern Africa. Now it is commonly grown in rock gardens in parts of the United States. Kidney vetch is a low growing fuzzy plant with narrow leaves and either yellow, reddish or white flowers. It gets its name from the fact that it was formerly used as a remedy for kidney disorders. In Europe, this flower is the sole food source for a small blue butterfly. There are several other flowers referred to as lady's fingers. There is a type of daylily called lady's fingers and foxgloves are also sometimes referred to as lady's fingers. Here are a few links to pictures of two different flowers called lady's fingers. The first is a plant from the stonecrop family native to California. The second is common kidney vetch. I hope this helps!

Ellen

• California.net: Ladies' Fingers
• Floracyberia.net: Anthyllis vulneraria