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Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot trefoil)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.3m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Lotus corniculatus
Other names
Bird's-foot trefoil, Birdfoot deervetch
Genus
Lotus Lotus
Species
L. corniculatus - L. corniculatus is a low, sprawling sub-shrub with bluish-green, divided leaves. In spring and early summer it has double yellow, pea-like flowers, followed by black peapods.
Lotus corniculatus is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Compact, Dense, Rounded
Flower
Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green, Grey-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Cut to the ground in spring to encourage compact bushy growth.
Propagation methods
Seed, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot trefoil) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Foliage only, Ground Cover, Hedging/Screens, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, free-draining soil in a sunny position. Can withstand trampling and close mowing.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Lotus corniculatus
Other names
Bird's-foot trefoil, Birdfoot deervetch
Genus
Lotus Lotus
Species
L. corniculatus - L. corniculatus is a low, sprawling sub-shrub with bluish-green, divided leaves. In spring and early summer it has double yellow, pea-like flowers, followed by black peapods.
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Compact, Dense, Rounded
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green, Grey-green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Cut to the ground in spring to encourage compact bushy growth.
Propagation methods
Seed, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Lotus corniculatus (Bird's-foot trefoil) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Foliage only, Ground Cover, Hedging/Screens, Mediterranean
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, free-draining soil in a sunny position. Can withstand trampling and close mowing.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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