Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatis) is a perennial flowering plant in the pea (Fabaceae) family.

• This herbaceous plant is variable in height, from 5 cm to 20 cm.     It can grow taller if it is among other plants.
• Many stems grow from a taproot and rhizomes.   Prostate stems may root at nodes.
• Alternate (pinnate/compound) downy leaves grow at the base at the base and terminal area – five leaflets at the base and 3 at the terminus, all short-stemmed.
• Pea-like yellow flowers form at the tops of the stems in June and may continue throughout summer.
• The clusters of flowers have a similar shape to slippers.   They are pollinated mostly be bees and butterflies.
• The flowers become more orange with age.
• All photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox (larger) view.

trefoil

trefoil

trefoil

birds-foot trefoil

bird's-foot trefoil

birdsfoot trefoil (Acmispon maritimus)

bird's foot trefoil

• The flowers develop into pods by the end of summer.
• Lotus is an important food for butterfly caterpillars.
• The seeds have a shape like bird’s feet or claws.
• Other names include deervetch, granny’s toenails,  or eggs and bacon (and others).
• It is native to Eurasia, but was introduced to North America as a forage plant and to help areas with erosion control.    Like other members of the pea family it is nitrogen-fixing.
• Lotus has been used as a source of dyes and perfume, and also for traditional medicine.
• Various animals graze on Lotus.    It survives grazing and drought.
• It is most commonly spotted in fields, meadows, and grassy tracks.
• We often spot in on double track trails in the summer.