Bird's Foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: lotus

Plant ID (slug): lotus-corniculatus

Numeric ID: 24293

USDA Hardiness: 3-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Lotus corniculatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and temperate Asia.

Habitats

Lawn; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seedpod Edible Uses: The young seedpods are 'nibbled'[177]. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Cardiotonic Carminative Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Restorative Sedative Tonic Vermifuge Carminative, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, restorative, vermifuge[178]. The flowers are antispasmodic, cardiotonic and sedative[7]. The root is carminative, febrifuge, restorative and tonic[218]. The plant is used externally as a local anti-inflammatory compress in all cases of skin inflammation[7].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing cyanogenic glycosides(hydrogen cyanide)[65, 76]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. This species is polymorphic for cyanogenic glycosides[218]. The flowers of some forms of the plant contain traces of prussic acid and so the plants can become mildly toxic when flowering[218]. They are completely innocuous when dried[218].