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Bird's-foot Trefoil Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae

Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Tenacity and community.

Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Lotus
Native to
Europe, Asia, North Africa
Bloom season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Type
perennial herb
Height
0.5-1 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, poor to moderate fertility
Water
low
Hardiness
3-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Its common name comes from the seed pods, which spread like a bird's claw when ripe.
  • It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, enriching poor soils through a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria.
  • Red-tinged buds open to bright yellow flowers, leading to its folk name 'eggs and bacon.'
  • Over 130 insect species use bird's-foot trefoil as a food source, making it a cornerstone wildflower for biodiversity.
  • It contains trace amounts of cyanogenic compounds that deter many herbivores but do not harm pollinators.

Color meanings

0

resilience

1

abundance

2

modest charm

Uses

  • fodder crop
  • wildlife habitat
  • soil improvement
  • ornamental