Bird's-Foot Trefoil is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadow and coastal areas, to a mature height of up to 20cm.
Bird's-Foot Trefoil takes its name from the shape of its seed pod arrangement and the apparent three-leaflet leaves (they actually have five-leaflet leaves). The plant is sometimes called 'Eggs and Bacon', as it initially has reddish-orange flowers, which later turn the colour of egg yolk.
Botanic classification and naming: Bird's-Foot Trefoil is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name
'Lotus' identifies the plant as a Bird's-Foot Trefoil and its species name 'corniculatus' means 'horned plant'.
Concerns: All parts of the plant are toxic to humans by ingestion, although the concentration is thought to be low. The toxin itself may cause respiratory failure or death.
Benefits: Bird's-Foot Trefoil is a food source for caterpillars of many butterflies and moths including the Common Blue and Six-Spot Burnet. Bird's-Foot Trefoil also has root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These make atmospheric nitrogen available to feed the plant and enrich the soil.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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