Description

Lotus corniculatus,
Birdsfoot Trefoil (Introduced)

Medium height, 2 – 3 ft. tall, long-lived, nitrogen-fixing, spreading-legume, native to Eurasia and North Africa. Adapted to all soil textures but does best on medium to fine textures. Fair acid and salt tolerance. Does well on wet and poorly drained sites. Palatable, non-bloating forage. Used for livestock and wildlife forage and erosion control. Minimum precip. is 16 – 20 inches. Plant in spring ¼ – ½ inch deep. 418,000 seeds/lb.

Named Release: ‘Empire’ (Cultivar) Low growing, more cold-tolerant, pasture type.

‘Viking’ Upright or hay-type, less cold-tolerant.

USDA: Plant Profile | Fact Sheet