Birdsfoot Fenugreek, Bird clover

Trifolium ornithopodioides

Physical Characteristics

Trifolium ornithopodioides is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. 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 moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Southern and western Europe, including Britain, from Denmark south to N. Africa.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - raw or cooked[5]. The dried leaves are coumarin-scented and have been suggested as a substitute for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known