Lotus corniculatus, commonly known as Bird's-foot Trefoil or Birdfoot Deervetch, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to grassland temperate Eurasia and North Africa. This herbaceous, forage, perennial, cool season legume produces yellow flowers from May to July, adding a vibrant splash of color to any landscape.
Bird's-foot Trefoil is often used for soil stabilization, making it a great option for preventing erosion on slopes or hillsides. It can also be used to establish lawns and pastures, as it quickly spreads to provide a complete cover in just a few months.
This plant thrives in medium fertility, slightly acid, clay-like, and loamy soils. While it can tolerate some drought, it has poor shade tolerance. However, its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and its use as a green manure plant make it a valuable addition to any garden or agricultural setting.
In addition to its practical uses, Bird's-foot Trefoil offers aesthetic benefits. Its orange-yellow flowers can be used to obtain a beautiful dye, adding a unique touch to crafts or textiles. The plant's attractiveness also makes it a magnet for wildlife, attracting bees with its hermaphroditic flowers.
Lotus corniculatus is particularly suited to light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate nutritionally poor soil conditions. However, it cannot thrive in shaded areas and requires dry or moist soil. It can even tolerate exposure to maritime conditions.
Take advantage of the numerous benefits of Bird's-foot Trefoil by incorporating it into your landscape. Its beauty, functionality, and ability to attract wildlife make it a versatile and environmentally-friendly choice.