Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil

Lotus halophilus

Physical Characteristics

Lotus halophilus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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

S.E. Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed[160]. No more details are given, but some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

No reports of toxicity have been seen for this species but at least one member of the genus contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides[65, 76].