Common bird's-foot trefoil - Lotus corniculatus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Common bird's-foot trefoil

Also known as: Ground honeysuckle

Common bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a common flowering perennial plant that grows widely throughout Europe and North America. Commercially, it is often added to livestock feed to prevent bloating. In Britain, common bird's-foot trefoil is often referred to as "butter and eggs" due to its flowering appearance and golden color. It attracts bumblebees and is considered an invasive species in North America and Australia.

Scientific classification

Species

Common bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous, Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Common bird's-foot trefoil

Distribution of Common bird's-foot trefoil

Distribution Map

Common bird's-foot trefoil enjoys a wide geographical presence, stretching across major regions from Europe, Asia, to Africa, and has been introduced to both Americas as well as Oceania. While cultivated for various purposes, in certain areas common bird's-foot trefoil may be considered to gently establish itself within local ecosystems. Particularly in some South American regions, it is sometimes thought to subtly influence native flora. Despite these instances, common bird's-foot trefoil remains a species whose cultivation and global spread do not generally cause severe ecological disruption.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Pastures, banks of streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

Bird's-foot trefoil can improve soil.

Economic Value

Bird's-foot trefoil is not only a good feed, but also a good nectariferous plant.

Garden Use

The common bird's-foot trefoil is a resilient groundcover that can be planted in areas where it may be mowed. It also does well in containers and borders as well as rock gardens and butterfly gardens. The common bird's-foot trefoil is prized for its blue-green foliage and yellow flowers that make it an attractive groundcover. It is well accompanied by plants such as dianthus, lamium, and sedum.

Symbolism

Reunion

Interesting Facts

Bird's-foot trefoils have five petals, and are regarded as lucky plants. It is said that a Japanese child was taken hostage. He prayed at the local shrine and saw bird's-foot trefoil on the steps of the shrine. He picked the flower, brought it to the shrine, and made a wish that he would become a respectable warrior. Years later, his wish came true, and he became the famous Japanese man, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Name Story

Common bird's-foot trefoil: It is a perennial herbaceous plant and it has a similar appearance to some clovers. The name "bird's foot" refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. It is featured with five leaflets in which the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name "trefoil".

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Common bird's-foot trefoil is moderately toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and severe cases leading to death. In humans, large quantities of common bird's-foot trefoil must be ingested for serious illness. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets consume any part of common bird's-foot trefoil.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

The common bird's-foot trefoil is a weed native to Eurasia but has spread to much of the world It occurs in disturbed lands such as roadsides and grasslands in USDA zones 4 to 9. It is recorded as an invasive weed in fourteen countries including the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, and Norway. It has been identified as a problematic weed in the American states of Minnesota, Washington, and New York. The common bird's-foot trefoil forms dense mats that prohibit shade and choke out native vegetation. However, it can also be used to fight roadside soil erosion and to improve pastures because it promotes nitrogen restoration in the soil. This species can be controlled with herbicides or by persistent mowing.

How to Control It

To best manage common bird's-foot trefoil, removal or control should typically be done in the spring or early summer, before it sets seed.

Hand-pulling: Remove common bird's-foot trefoil by grasping the plant firmly at the base and pulling gently to ensure the removal of the root system.
Mowing: Regularly cut the foliage before common bird's-foot trefoil flowers to prevent seed formation and spread. Adjust the mower to a low setting to stress the plant and inhibit its growth.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the area to suppress common bird's-foot trefoil growth by blocking sunlight and reducing weed emergence.
Plant competition: Introduce vigorous ground-cover plants that will outcompete common bird's-foot trefoil by providing shade and monopolizing resources.
Vinegar solution spray: Apply a diluted vinegar solution directly onto common bird's-foot trefoil during a hot, sunny day to desiccate and kill the above-ground parts of the plant.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Common bird's-foot trefoil

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common bird's-foot trefoil thrives in temperate regions, favoring moderate moisture with brief drought tolerance. It requires watering every 1-2 weeks, preferring consistent hydration without excess. As an herbaceous perennial from meadows, it flourishes when water is available and recedes during dry spells.

Fertilize: For common bird's-foot trefoil, use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth to enhance vitality and blooms. Reduce frequency in dormancy and apply minimally to young plants. Always water after fertilization to prevent root burn and ensure nutrient absorption for healthy development.

Pruning: Common bird's-foot trefoil, with its small yellow flowers and slender stems, benefits from strategic pruning in early to late spring. Remove dead stems to encourage growth, while light trimming maintains shape. Use clean tools to reduce disease risk, enhancing vitality and promoting a healthy display during the growing season.

Propagation: Common bird's-foot trefoil propagates best by sowing in spring, with moderate difficulty. Indicators of success include germination and strong growth. Optimal conditions involve using well-drained soil to enhance propagation effectiveness.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free