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.
