Everything about Birdsfoot Trefoil totally explained
Lotus corniculatus is a common
flowering plant native to grassland temperate
Eurasia and North
Africa. The common name is
Bird's-foot Trefoil (or similar, such as "birdsfoot trefoil"), though the common name is often also applied to other members of the genus. It is also known in cultivation in
North America as
Birdfoot Deervetch.
It is a
perennial herbaceous plant, similar in appearance to some
clovers. The flowers develop into small pea-like pods or
legumes. The name 'bird's foot' refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. There are five
leaflets, but with the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name
trefoil.
The height of the plant is variable, from 5-20 cm, occasionally more where supported by other plants; the stems can reach up to 50 cm long. It is typically sprawling at the height of the surrounding grassland. It can survive fairly close grazing, trampling and mowing. It is most often found in sandy
soils.
The plant has had many common
English names in
Britain, which are now mostly out of use. These names were often connected with the yellow and orange colour of the flowers, for example 'eggs and bacon', 'butter and eggs'.
Uses
It is used in
agriculture as a
forage plant, grown for
pasture,
hay, and
silage. Taller growing
cultivars have been developed for this. It may be used as an alternative to
alfalfa in poor soils. It has become an
invasive species in some regions of
North America and
Australia.
A double flowered variety is grown as an
ornamental plant. The plant is an important
nectar source for many
insects and is also used as a
larval food plant by many species of
Lepidoptera such as
Six-spot Burnet. It is regularly included as a component of
wildflower mixes in
Europe.
The plant, remarkably, is one of the few flowers in the
language of flowers that has a negative connotation, symbolizing revenge or retribution.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Birdsfoot Trefoil'.
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