Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus) is a perennial herb in the Fabaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires low watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Lotus corniculatus is a low-growing, perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family Fabaceae, known for its yellow, pea-like flowers and distinctive seed pods that resemble a bird’s foot.

Bird's-foot Trefoil

Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus Corniculatus

Lotus corniculatus is a low-growing, perennial herbaceous plant in the pea family Fabaceae, known for its yellow, pea-like flowers and distinctive seed pods that resemble a bird’s foot.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Low
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-9

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, clay, gravelly
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, nitrogen fixer, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Bird's-foot Trefoil

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Bird's-foot Trefoil
Bird's-foot Trefoil detail

View leaf details, flowers, seeds & more in the app

Taxonomy

Family:Fabaceae
Genus:Lotus