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Lotus corniculatus Birdsfoot trefoil

Previous scientific name(s): Lotus corniculatus var. arvensis

Medium, long-lived, deep-rooted perennial. Spreading rhizomatous growth habit, useful for erosion control and forage. Showy yellow flowers in spring or summer. Wet and poorly drained sites; acid tolerant, cold hardy. Fair ease of establishment.

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Species Attributes

Height:

13 - 24 in.

Life Form:

Native or Introduced:

Season:

Sun & Shade Tolerance:

Elevation:

ft.

Precipitation:

24 in.

Soil Texture

Coarse:

Not Adapted

Moderately Coarse:

Average

Medium:

Best

Moderately Fine:

Best

Fine:

Average

Soil pH

Acidic:

Average

Neutral:

Best

Basic:

Marginal

Seeding Rate:

4 - 6 PLS lbs/Acre

Pure Seed per Bushel:

54.20 lbs.

Seeds per Pound:

370,000

Germination Time:

Days

Cold Hardiness:

Hardy

Mycorrhizal Dependent:

Yes

Planting Season:

Spring

Bloat or Nonbloat:

Nonbloat

Variety:

Bruce

Leo

A long-lived, late-flowering variety that is a very good producer and is slightly more winter hardy than Norcen. Seedling vigor is excellent. An abundant seed producer. (Released 1963, source of ecotype: Quebec, Canada)

Norcen

A later flowering type displaying an intermediate regrowth rate between Viking and Empire after cutting. Norcen is a superb forage yielder and is more winter hardy than Viking and Empire. A good seed producer. (Released 1981, source of ecotype: north-central U.S.A.)

Viking

A European-type variety which exhibits early spring growth and a semi-erect to erect flower growth form. It is superior in seedling growth rate and ability to recover. Like other European-type trefoils, Viking is less cold-hardy than Empire. (Source of ecotype: Europe)