Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil

Lotus uliginosus

Physical Characteristics

Lotus uliginosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

S.W. Europe - Portugal, Spain.

Habitats

Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None Known

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].