Birdsfoot Trefoil

Scientific Name: Lotus corniculatus

Category: plant

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Brief Description

A low-growing perennial herbaceous plant featuring clusters of bright yellow flowers resembling small pea blossoms, followed by slender seed pods shaped like a bird's foot.

Characteristics

Features alternate leaves divided into five leaflets (three upper leaflets and two basal ones resembling stipules). Flowers are bright yellow, often tinged with red, arranged in small umbels of 3 to 8 blossoms. Seed pods are straight, linear, and spread out radially, resembling a bird's foot.

Habitat

Found in meadows, pastures, along roadsides, and in disturbed grassy areas. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun.

When to Find It

Blooms from late spring through summer, typically May to September.

Conservation Status

N/A

Ecological Role

Acts as a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It also fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.

Easily Confused With

Can be confused with Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) or Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus); Birdsfoot Trefoil is distinguished by its solid stems and specific leaflet arrangement compared to hollow-stemmed or differently leaved relatives.

Observation Tips

Look along sunny roadsides and meadows during summer. Photographers can capture close-ups of the distinctive claw-like seed pods when flowering concludes.

Interesting Facts

Despite being widely introduced as livestock forage and for erosion control, Birdsfoot Trefoil is often considered an invasive weed in native North American prairies and natural areas.