Bird's foot trefoil typically starts flowering in May.
bird's foot trefoil
Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus'
Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus') is a perennial legume that is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Bearing bright yellow, pea-like flowers that resemble a bird's foot, it is an attractive addition to any garden. This low-maintenance drought tolerant plant can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and has natural nitrogen-fixing abilities that can improve soil fertility. Planting Bird's Foot Trefoil in pastures and in gardens can bring its best qualities, as it provides food for wildlife and grazers, nectar for pollinators, and establishes sturdy roots that can help prevent soil erosion.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Bird's foot trefoil can be watered weekly when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. In the summertime, this plant needs a bit more water. Aim for it to be watered every 5-7 days, or as needed when the soil feels dry. It is important not to overwater bird's foot trefoil as this can lead to root rot.
sunlight
Bird's foot trefoil needs full sun to part shade for best growth and flowering. It prefers at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, but prefers more. Avoid planting it in too much shade, as it will result in fewer blooms. For best results, plant it in a spot where it will receive full sun mid-day and some shade during the hottest part of the day.
pruning
Prune bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus') when it becomes leggy or if you want to contain the size and spread of the plant. Prune annually in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Cut back the stems to keep the plant in shape and to encourage new shoots to grow. This will help to maintain a neat and orderly shape. Do not cut back more than 1/3 of the plant’s height or remove more than a few stems at once to avoid shock and damage to the plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
