Greater Yellow Restharrow

hippocrepis emerus

Also known as: ["Yellow Scorpion’s Claw","Horse-shoe Vetch"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Hippocrepis Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family, known for its yellow flowers and distinctive leaflets with notches resembling horse shoes.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Hippocrepis
Botanical Name: Hippocrepis emerus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized areas
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -20°C to 30°C; prefers cooler conditions in winter.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root most reliably.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of overcrowded stems; heading back to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, bypass cutters, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows; roots can freeze in poorly insulated soil.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move potted plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; fertilize during active growth.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late autumn or winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Hippocrepis emerus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as aphids or spider mites, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Hippocrepis emerus can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Hippocrepis emerus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Hippocrepis emerus is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal issues if they consume the seeds of Hippocrepis emerus. The toxic compounds can cause irritation and discomfort in the feline digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant, especially the seeds. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Hippocrepis emerus seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds in the seeds may cause irritation to the dog's digestive system.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the plant, particularly the seeds. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Hippocrepis emerus, commonly known as sun-dew, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The seeds are the primary toxic part, containing substances that may irritate the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingesting any parts of the plant, especially the seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hippocrepis emerus toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to care for?

A: It requires moderate care and maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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