What makes Lotus corniculatus special? A full breakdown of its characteristics

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

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

Lotus corniculatus is native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, and is now found throughout the world. In China it is mostly used as forage grass and is widely distributed in the southwestern region. It is also an excellent plant for soil and water conservation.

The plant height of Lotus corniculatus is 15-50 cm. The main root is distinct, with many lateral root branches; 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 tip of the peduncle, and the flower color is pale yellow or bright yellow; the pod is located at the tip of the peduncle and splits open, much like a bird's foot, hence the alternative name bird's-foot trefoil; the seeds are brown and kidney-shaped.

Lotus corniculatus likes a warm and humid climate, and the most suitable growth temperature is 18-25°C; the seedlings are not cold-tolerant, and the cold tolerance of mature plants is somewhat stronger, but below 5°C the stems and leaves turn yellow and wither. Lotus corniculatus has low soil requirements, but grows well in fertile, well-drained soil. Lotus corniculatus is a long-day plant and is not shade-tolerant; sufficient sunlight promotes flowering.