Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
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Description
Bird's-foot Trefoil is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant, notable for its bright yellow flowers and distinctive claw-like seed pods. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant diversity. In a food forest, it serves as a ground cover in the herbaceous layer, preventing soil erosion and improving soil structure. It is often used in guilds with fruit trees and other perennials, providing a living mulch and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Historically, it has been used in traditional European farming systems for pasture improvement and soil health. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for meadows and wildlife gardens.
Growing Details
Bird's-foot Trefoil thrives in well-drained soils with a preference for full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow in poor soils due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensure good drainage. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clovers and grasses, which can enhance pasture diversity. Avoid overwater
Edible Parts
Seed Pod
Flowers
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Hay
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
High Protein
Colouring
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Lotus corniculatus</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Asia, widely naturalized
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: While not commonly used in culinary applications, the flowers and young seed pods can be consumed. They are typically used in small quantities due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Bird's-foot Trefoil has been used for its mild sedative properties and to treat digestive issues. It is important to use with caution due to its cyanogenic compounds, which can be toxic in large amounts.
health concerns: Contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when consumed in large quantities. Caution is advised, especially when consumed raw.
other uses: Used as a green manure and cover crop to improve soil quality and structure. Its ability to fix nitrogen makes it valuable in crop rotations and intercropping systems.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Lotus corniculatus
common names: Bird's-foot Trefoil; Eggs and Bacon; Butter
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Loteae
sub tribe:
genus: Lotus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.2 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 5 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.4 m
max width: 0.6 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Bird's-foot Trefoil thrives in well-drained soils with a preference for full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow in poor soils due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensure good drainage. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clovers and grasses, which can enhance pasture diversity. Avoid overwater
Potential Disturbances: Bird's-foot Trefoil is generally free from ecological pressures but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. To manage challenges naturally, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic control measures.
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