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

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.