plant

Bird's-foot trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Updated 8 Jul 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Sunlightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Biomassmedium
Nectarabundant
Pollenabundant

Through the year

Emergence

Emergence in early spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.

Flowering

Flowering begins approximately 60 days after emergence, triggered by lengthening photoperiods.

Fruiting

Fruiting follows flowering, typically starting 30 days after the onset of flowering.

Senescence

Senescence occurs with the first autumn frost and shortening day lengths.

Timing is relative to your local season (temperate Northern Hemisphere).

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatesnitrogen
Soil textureloam, clay, sand
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, beneficial insects