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Bird's Foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

outdoor

Bird's Foot Trefoil is a low-growing, nitrogen-fixing legume native to Europe and western Asia, commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and pastures. It produces bright yellow or orange-red clustered flowers followed by distinctive seed pods that resemble bird's feet, giving the plant its common name. This hardy perennial is valuable for wildlife, erosion control, and improving soil quality.

Bird's Foot Trefoil

Common Problems

Select the problem your Bird's Foot Trefoil is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Overwatering Leading To Root Issueschevron_right
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Excessive Nitrogen Application Reducing Nitrogen Fixing Abilitychevron_right
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Shading From Taller Plants Reducing Floweringchevron_right
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Poor Drainage In Heavy Clay Soilschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light
Full sun to partial shade; prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
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Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Minimal watering needed in mature plants except during prolonged dry periods.
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Soil
Adaptable to poor, well-draining soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Does not require rich soil and can thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.
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Fertiliser
No supplemental fertilizer needed; as a nitrogen-fixing legume, it enriches the soil naturally. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
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Temperature
Hardy perennial; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 90°F (-29°C to 32°C) depending on cultivar and acclimation.
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Humidity
No specific humidity requirements; naturally adapted to varied moisture conditions and performs well in both dry and moderately wet environments.

Toxicity

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Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Completely safe for grazing animals and wildlife.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.