What are the characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil? A detailed guide in one article

Rosales, Fabaceae, Lotus; Latin scientific name: Lotus corniculatus L.

Five-leaf clover, bird's-foot trefoil, horned clover

Birdsfoot trefoil is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, and is now found throughout the world. In China it is mostly used as forage grass, and it is distributed more widely in southwestern China. It is also a very good plant for soil and water conservation.

The plant height of birdsfoot trefoil is 15-50 cm, the main root is obvious, and the lateral roots branch abundantly; the stems and branches grow in clumps and creep along the ground, the stems are smooth, and the stem length is about 70 cm; at the stem tip there are trifoliate compound leaves, the leaf blades are obovate, and the two large stipules are very close to the leaf blades, so it is also called five-leaf clover; the inflorescence is umbel-like, with about 4-8 flowers at the top of the peduncle, and the flower color is pale yellow or bright yellow; the pod is located at the top of the peduncle and splits open, much like a bird's foot, so it has the other name bird's-foot trefoil; the seeds are brown and kidney-shaped.

Birdsfoot trefoil likes a warm and humid climate, and the most suitable growth temperature is 18-25°C; the seedlings are not cold-resistant, and the cold resistance of mature plants is slightly stronger, but below 5°C the stems and leaves turn yellow and wither. Birdsfoot trefoil has low soil requirements, but grows well in fertile soil with good drainage. Birdsfoot trefoil is a long-day plant and is not shade-tolerant; sufficient sunlight can promote flowering.