Common Bird's foot trefoil
Scientific name: Lotus corniculatus
Family: Fabaceae
Other common names: Eggs and bacon, mother-in-law's toenails
Flowering time: June to July
Height: 10 to 30 cm
Growing conditions: thrives in the drier parts of the meadow
Nectar source for: Dingy Skipper, Lulworth Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Pearl Fritillary and the Pearl Bordered Fritillary
Food source for: Common Blue larva, Burnet moth, Six-spot burnet caterpillar
Description
Bird's Foot Trefoil is a long lived perennial producing clusters of yellow and red flowers on short stems especially in June and July. On Long Mead, it can flower again after the hay cut and provide late source nectar for insects into the autumn. It's name relates to the fact that the pods are arranged in threes like a bird's claw. The plant is an exceptionally important nectar source and food plant for butterflies.
How to identify: Common bird's-foot-trefoil is a member of the pea family. Its yellow flowers look like little slippers and appear in small clusters. They are followed by seed pods that look distinctly like bird's feet or claws, hence the common name. A low-growing plant, its leaves have five leaflets and are downy.
How to propagate: Sow Birdsfoot trefoil seeds in Autumn in seed trays and cover lightly with compost. Seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out the following Autumn. Seeds will also store well if kept dry and cool.
Family: Fabaceae
Other common names: Eggs and bacon, mother-in-law's toenails
Flowering time: June to July
Height: 10 to 30 cm
Growing conditions: thrives in the drier parts of the meadow
Nectar source for: Dingy Skipper, Lulworth Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Pearl Fritillary and the Pearl Bordered Fritillary
Food source for: Common Blue larva, Burnet moth, Six-spot burnet caterpillar
Description
Bird's Foot Trefoil is a long lived perennial producing clusters of yellow and red flowers on short stems especially in June and July. On Long Mead, it can flower again after the hay cut and provide late source nectar for insects into the autumn. It's name relates to the fact that the pods are arranged in threes like a bird's claw. The plant is an exceptionally important nectar source and food plant for butterflies.
How to identify: Common bird's-foot-trefoil is a member of the pea family. Its yellow flowers look like little slippers and appear in small clusters. They are followed by seed pods that look distinctly like bird's feet or claws, hence the common name. A low-growing plant, its leaves have five leaflets and are downy.
How to propagate: Sow Birdsfoot trefoil seeds in Autumn in seed trays and cover lightly with compost. Seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out the following Autumn. Seeds will also store well if kept dry and cool.