Bird's Foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Also known as
Bacon And Eggs, Dutchman’s Clogs, Lady’s Slippers, Granny’s Toenails, Devil’s Fingers, Birdfoot Deervetch, Bird's Eyes, Bird's Foot Clover, Bloomfel, Butter-Jags, Cat In Clover, Cheesecake Grass, Cross Toes, Crowtoes, Crow's Foot, Fingers And Thumbs, Fingers And Toes, Ground Honeysuckle, Lady's Fingers, Lamb's Cress, Lamb's Toes, Sheep Foot, Shoes And Stockings, Common Bird's-Foot-Trefoil, Cat's Clover, Garden Birdsfoot Trefoil, Horned Trefoil, Bacon and eggs, Trefoil
Full Sun
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
More images of Bird's Foot Trefoil
Bird's Foot Trefoil Overview
Lotus corniculatus is a perennial species commonly known as bird's foot trefoil, amongst many other common names. It is part of the legume family, Fabaceae (Fabaceae) and has a lax, bushy habit. It typically grows to around 20cm tall, producing interesting foliage in arrangements of 5 leaves. The seed pods are said to resemble bird feet and the trefoil part of the common name originates from the leaf arrangement. The leaves are divided into leaflets and these are arranged oppositely in a terminal trio, with a small pair below. Flowers are bright yellow, similar to the colour of egg yolk and these open from red-orange buds. Flowering occurs from late spring through to early autumn, leading onto long, thin seed pods.
Common problems with Bird's Foot Trefoil
How to propagate Bird's Foot Trefoil
Seed
Cuttings
Propagate from cuttings in early summer or from seed in autumn or spring.
Special features of Bird's Foot Trefoil
Attracts butterflies
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
Good nectar source for pollinating insects such as bees, can also provide food for moth larva.
Other uses of Bird's Foot Trefoil
Wildflower/meadow, also suitable for coastal conditions.