Lotus corniculatus
Plant Details
General Information
Scientific name:
Lotus corniculatus
Also known as:
Bird's Foot Trefoil
Images:
Google Images
Plant Properties
Layer:
Herb layer, Soil
Format:
Smal
Height:
0.30 m
Width:
0.50 m
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Leaf:
Deciduous
Growth conditions
USDA Hardiness:
3-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Permeable
Moist, Permeable
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun
Sun
Usage properties
Edible part:
Seedpod
Seedpod
Edibility:
Medicinal:
Features:
Nitrogen, Bee plant, Fragrant, Dye
Nitrogen, Bee plant, Fragrant, Dye
Description
The young pods are 'nibbled'. Caution is advised, see the comments on toxicity. All parts of the plant are toxic and contain cyanogenic glycosides (hydrogen cyanide). In small amounts, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion. It is also claimed to have benefits in cancer treatment. However, in large amounts, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. This species is polymorphic for cyanogenic glycosides. The flowers of some forms of the plant contain traces of prussic acid, making the plants slightly toxic during flowering. They are completely harmless when dried.
Harvest Data
Start Harvest:
15/06
End of Harvest:
15/09
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Lupinus perennis Sundial lupine, Wild lupine |
Lupinus perennis fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting Lotus corniculatus by improving soil fertility. |
|
Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme |
Thymus vulgaris attracts beneficial insects and can improve the flavor of nearby plants. |
|
Asparagus officinalis Asparagus, Garden asparagus |
Asparagus officinalis provides vertical growth, creating a microclimate that can benefit Lotus corniculatus. |
|
Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder, Bishop's goutweed, Goutweed, Bishop's Weed |
Aegopodium podagraria can act as a ground cover, suppressing weeds that compete with Lotus corniculatus. |
|
Cochlearia officinalis Scurvy Grass, Spoonwort |
Trifolium repens can enhance nitrogen fixation and improve soil conditions for Lotus corniculatus. |