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Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus angustissimus

Lotus angustissimus Lotus angustissimus
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae (Pea)
Also in this family:
Alpine Milk-vetch, Alsike Clover, Birdsfoot, Birdsfoot Clover, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bithynian Vetch, Bitter Vetch, Black Broom, Black Medick, Bladder Senna, Broad Bean, Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea, Bur Medick, Burrowing Clover, Bush Vetch, Clustered Clover, Common Broom, Common Gorse, Common Laburnum, Common Restharrow, Common Vetch, Crimson Clover, Crown Vetch, Dragon's Teeth, Dwarf Gorse, Dyer's Greenweed, False Acacia, Fine-leaved Vetch, Fodder Vetch, Garden Lupin, Garden Pea, Goat's Rue, Grass Vetchling, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Greenweed, Hairy Tare, Hairy Vetchling, Hairy-fruited Broom, Haresfoot Clover, Hop Trefoil, Horseshoe Vetch, Hungarian Vetch, Kidney Vetch, Knotted Clover, Large Trefoil, Lesser Trefoil, Lucerne, Marsh Pea, Meadow Vetchling, Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil, Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Nootka Lupin, Norfolk Everlasting Pea, Orange Birdsfoot, Petty Whin, Purple Milk-vetch, Purple Oxytropis, Red Clover, Reversed Clover, Ribbed Melilot, Rough Clover, Russell Lupin, Sainfoin, Scorpion Senna, Scottish Laburnum, Sea Clover, Sea Pea, Sickle Medick, Slender Tare, Slender Trefoil, Small Melilot, Small Restharrow, Smooth Tare, Spanish Broom, Spanish Gorse, Spiny Restharrow, Spotted Medick, Spring Vetch, Strawberry Clover, Suffocated Clover, Sulphur Clover, Tall Melilot, Toothed Medick, Tree Lupin, Tuberous Pea, Tufted Vetch, Twin-headed Clover, Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, Upright Clover, Upright Vetch, Western Clover, Western Gorse, White Broom, White Clover, White Lupin, White Melilot, Wild Liquorice, Wood Vetch, Yellow Oxytropis, Yellow Vetch, Yellow Vetchling, Zigzag Clover
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, heathland, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil, scientifically known as Lotus angustissimus, presents a delicate yet striking appearance with its slender, wiry stems adorned by clusters of small, intricate flowers. Each flower, reminiscent of a miniature pea blossom, features shades ranging from soft yellows to pale oranges, complemented by delicate streaks of crimson at the base of the petals. These blossoms, typically borne in loose, airy clusters atop the plant's slender stalks, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem's biodiversity. The overall effect is one of gracefulness and understated beauty, making Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil a charming addition to wildflower meadows and natural landscapes.
Fruit:
The fruit of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil consists of small, elongated pods that develop after the flowers have been pollinated. These pods are narrow and cylindrical, resembling miniature pea pods, and measure about 1-2 centimeters in length. Initially green, they mature to a light brown color as they ripen. Each pod contains several small, rounded seeds arranged in a row, reminiscent of a bird's foot, hence the common name. These pods are crucial for the plant's reproductive cycle, as they split open when mature, releasing the seeds to propagate and ensure the species' continuity in its natural habitat.
Leaves:
The leaves of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil are distinctive and add to the plant's overall appeal. They are composed of multiple narrow leaflets, arranged in groups of three, which give the foliage a delicate and feathery appearance. Each leaflet is linear or lanceolate in shape, with smooth edges and a smooth surface texture. The color of the leaves varies from light to medium green, providing a vibrant contrast to the plant's flowers and fruit. The leaves arise alternately along the stems, contributing to the plant's slender and airy growth habit. Their fine texture and elegant arrangement make them not only visually appealing but also well-adapted to thriving in diverse natural habitats where Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil typically grows.
Aroma:
Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is not typically known for having a distinct aroma. Unlike some flowering plants that are prized for their fragrances, such as roses or lavender, Lotus angustissimus tends to be more subtle in scent. The flowers may emit a mild, earthy or herbal fragrance, which is often noticed up close rather than from a distance. However, the primary allure of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil lies in its delicate appearance and ecological contributions rather than its aromatic qualities.
Other Names:
Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil

Other Information

Summary

Lotus angustissimus, also known as narrow-leaved bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial herb in the pea family (Fabaceae) native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly found in grasslands, pastures, and along roadsides. The plant has small, yellow flowers and distinctive seed pods that resemble a bird's foot. It is often used as a forage crop for livestock and as a cover crop for soil conservation. It is also a popular forage for honey bees and other pollinators. The plant is known for its narrow leaves, which are typically less than 1 cm wide. It is also considered a less aggressive and more drought-resistant species compared to other Lotus species.

Blog

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil: A Beautiful and Beneficial Wildflower

If you are a fan of wildflowers and want to attract beneficial insects to your garden, consider adding Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus angustissimus) to your landscaping. This stunning wildflower is not only beautiful but also provides food and habitat for a variety of pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is a member of the pea family and is native to Europe and Asia. It is a low-growing plant that typically grows to about 12 inches in height and has delicate, pinnate leaves. The leaves are light green and slightly hairy, and the plant produces delicate, yellow pea-like flowers that bloom from May to August.

The plant's common name, "bird's-foot trefoil," refers to the distinctive seed pods that resemble a bird's foot. These seed pods are a key source of food for a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, game birds, and small mammals. The flowers of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil are also an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

In addition to providing food and habitat for wildlife, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also beneficial for soil health. This wildflower is a nitrogen fixer, meaning that it helps to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes it a great choice for adding fertility to your garden or meadow, especially in areas where soil nitrogen levels are low.

Another great thing about Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is that it is very low maintenance. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils and is not picky about moisture levels. It is also very drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with low rainfall.

If you're looking for a beautiful and beneficial wildflower to add to your garden or meadow, consider Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil. With its delicate yellow flowers and distinctive seed pods, this plant is sure to add interest to any landscape. And, by providing food and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, you'll be doing your part to support the health of our planet's ecosystems.

In addition to its ornamental and ecological benefits, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also of great importance to livestock farmers. This plant is a valuable forage crop for grazing animals, including cattle, sheep, and horses. It is a highly palatable species that is appreciated by livestock for its high protein content, and it can be an important source of nutrition for these animals during the summer months when other forage crops may be scarce.

One of the reasons why Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is so well-suited to grazing animals is its growth habit. Unlike many other forage crops that grow in dense stands, this plant forms a more open, grass-like sward. This makes it easier for livestock to access the plant and to graze it without damaging it. Additionally, the plant's low growth habit and delicate leaves mean that it is less likely to cause injury to animals if they step on it or rub against it.

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also known for its resilience. This plant is able to recover quickly from grazing or other types of disturbance, and it is not easily overwhelmed by competing weeds or other plant species. This makes it a great choice for farmers who are looking for a forage crop that can withstand heavy grazing pressure without becoming overgrazed.

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is a great choice for farmers who are looking for a forage crop that is easy to establish and manage. Unlike many other forage crops, this plant is not fussy about soil conditions and can be grown in a wide range of soils. It is also a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizer or other inputs, making it a cost-effective choice for farmers who are looking to reduce their input costs.

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is a versatile and valuable plant that offers a range of benefits to gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, and livestock farmers alike. Whether you are looking to add beauty to your garden, support the health of your local ecosystem, or provide high-quality forage for your livestock, this plant is definitely worth considering.

Aside from its ornamental and ecological benefits, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also of great value to herbalists and natural medicine practitioners. This plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.

One of the most notable properties of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is its ability to support healthy skin. The plant is rich in flavonoids and other phytochemicals that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it a great choice for treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

In addition to its benefits for skin health, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also thought to have a positive effect on the digestive system. The plant is rich in soluble fiber, which is believed to help regulate the digestive process and support a healthy gut. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium, which are all important for maintaining good health.

Another important benefit of Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is its ability to support cardiovascular health. The plant is rich in antioxidants, which help to neutralize harmful free radicals and protect the heart and blood vessels from damage. Additionally, the plant's high fiber content may help to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Finally, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is also believed to have a positive effect on mood and mental well-being. The plant is rich in phytochemicals that are thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, the plant's high nutrient content may help to support brain function and cognitive performance.

In conclusion, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is a highly valuable plant that offers a range of benefits to those interested in herbal medicine and natural health. Whether you are looking to support healthy skin, improve digestion, protect your heart, or boost your mood, this plant is definitely worth exploring.

30 Facts About Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil

Here are 30 facts about Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus angustissimus):

  1. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is a perennial herbaceous plant.
  2. It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae).
  3. The scientific name "angustissimus" refers to its very narrow leaves.
  4. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
  5. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm.
  6. It thrives in dry, sandy, or gravelly soils.
  7. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is often found in coastal habitats and dunes.
  8. The flowers are small, pea-like, and typically yellow to orange.
  9. It blooms from late spring to early summer.
  10. The seeds are contained in elongated pods resembling a bird's foot.
  11. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
  12. The leaves are compound with three narrow leaflets.
  13. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil has a taproot system that helps it withstand dry conditions.
  14. It is sometimes used in habitat restoration projects.
  15. The plant is considered valuable for stabilizing sandy soils.
  16. In some regions, it is known as Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil.
  17. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil can tolerate moderate grazing.
  18. It reproduces primarily by seed.
  19. The seeds have a hard coat that aids in their longevity in the soil.
  20. It is not typically cultivated for commercial purposes.
  21. The plant's foliage is sparse and delicate.
  22. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is part of the native flora in certain European countries.
  23. It is adapted to nutrient-poor soils.
  24. The plant's conservation status varies across its range.
  25. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil is sometimes confused with other Lotus species.
  26. It has a preference for full sun exposure.
  27. In some areas, it may grow in association with other coastal plants.
  28. The plant can withstand occasional drought conditions.
  29. It plays a role in stabilizing coastal ecosystems.
  30. Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil adds aesthetic value to natural landscapes with its delicate flowers and foliage.

Video

Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil filmed at the following locations:
  • Lowenna, Cornwall: 8th of June 2023
  • Porthcerno, Cornwall: 10th June 2024
 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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