Birdsfoot trefoil is the best long-lived legume for growing in a mixture with Kentucky bluegrass as permanent pasture in the northern half of Indiana. It competes remarkably well with bluegrass under ... Seed production potential in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).

Understanding the Context

Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Regional Research Centre Newsletter Vol 34: 5-11. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) was introduced to the United States for livestock forage and erosion control. It grows well in the Midwest and is most problematic in prairies and disturbed open areas, such as roadsides, where it forms dense mats that shade and chokes out native vegetation. Common names include common bird's-foot trefoil, [2] eggs and bacon, [3] birdsfoot deervetch, [4] and just bird's-foot trefoil[5] (a name also often applied to other Lotus spp.).

Key Insights

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), also known as “eggs and bacon,” is a low-growing perennial member of the Fabaceae (legume) family. Typically growing between 4 inches and 1 foot high in garden and landscape settings, birdsfoot trefoil spreads via seeds, rhizomes and stems. Birdsfoot trefoil is most noticeable when producing yellow flowers during June and July. Used primarily as a forage crop and conservation planting along Pennsylvania highways, birdsfoot trefoil seed is occasionally transported to lawns and other grassy areas where it is not desired. A detailed description for Lotus corniculatus, Bird's Foot Trefoil, Southwest Desert Flora, Fabaceae or Leguminosae Family; also called: Birdfoot Deervetch, Bird's Foot Trefoil, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Bloomfell, Cat's Clover, Crowtoes, Garden Birdsfoot Trefoil, Garden Bird's-foot-trefoil, Ground Honeysuckle.

Final Thoughts

Birdsfoot Trefoil is a low perennial legume that forms mats or loose clumps and produces clusters of yellow to orange pea-like flowers. It is valued for forage and soil improvement because it fixes nitrogen and tolerates poorer, well drained soils.