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Description
Greater bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), sometimes referred to as Lotus corniculatus, is a UK native perennial of damp, open habitats, commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, ditches and along pond margins. It typically grows to around 30cm tall, forming spreading clumps with hollow stems and dark green leaves made up of several small leaflets.
From late spring into early summer, this leguminous plant produces masses of large, pea-like, yellow flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinating insects, particularly bumblebees. Like other members of the pea family, it improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, benefiting surrounding plants.
How to Identify
Greater bird’s-foot trefoil has creeping or ascending hollow stems and compound leaves with several oval leaflets. The flowers are noticeably larger than those of common bird’s-foot trefoil, forming loose clusters of vivid yellow blooms. After flowering, seed pods develop that resemble a bird’s foot, giving the plant its common name.
How to Grow
Lotus pedunculatus thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun or light shade. It is well-suited to wildflower meadows, wet grassland, pond margins and habitat restoration projects. Once established, it is low-maintenance and spreads naturally, making it ideal for wildlife-friendly planting schemes. Greater birdsfoot trefoil’s flowering season is comparatively long, with it being able to reseed itself from long bird-foot pods.
