Lotus corniculatus is a common flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to grassland in temperate Eurasia and North Africa. Common names include common bird's-foot trefoil and just bird's-foot trefoil, though the common name is often also applied to other members of the genus. It is also known in cultivation in North America as bird's-foot deervetch.
Family:
Fabaceae (Pea)
Height:
6 to 24 inches
Leaves:
Alternate, with 3 oval leaflets and two additional leaflets towards the base
Flower:
Irregular, bright yellow flowers with fine red lines in clusters of 2 to 6 on 2 to 4 inch stalks
Bloom time:
June-September
Nicknames:
Birdfoot Deervetch
Habitat:
Meadows, lawns, roadsides, other disturbed areas
Can I plant this in my garden?
No, birds-foot trefoil is non-native plant that has spread extensively throughout Minnesota. It can be spot-sprayed with the herbicide clopyralid, or cut back when flowering to prevent it from seeding.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/birds-foot-trefoil
Family | Fabaceae |
---|---|
Habit | Forb |
Flower | yellow |
Origin | introduced |
Life cycle | perennial |
Listing | invasive |
Bloom time | (6) June, (7) July, (8) August, (9) September |
*sites | Gervais Mill Pond, Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |