birdsfoot trefoil |
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Fabales > Fabaceae > Lotus corniculatus L.
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Synonym(s): birdfoot deervetch |
Birdsfoot trefoil is a low-growing, perennial forb with stems that can reach 2 ft. (0.6 m) long. Leaves are compound (with 5 oval to linear leaflets), stipulate and alternate. Leaflets (upper 3) are 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) wide; the lower two resemble leaf-like stipules. Flowering occurs from May to August, when yellow, sweet pea-like flowers develop. Flowers develop in clusters of 2-8 on a long peduncle (stalk). Fruits are pods that occur in head-like clusters. Each pod is brown to black, cylindrical, 0.6-1.4 in. (1.5-3.5 cm) long, contains up to 49 seeds and has a persistent style at the apex. Birdsfoot trefoil is native to Eurasia and North Africa and occurs in pastures, roadsides, wetlands, disturbed grasslands and riparian areas. |
Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Selected Images
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Number: | 1320027 |
Description: | Plant(s); Birdsfoot trefoil contains tannin, a natural antibloating compound. |
Photographer: | USDA ARS Photo Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service |
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Number: | 5307097 |
Description: | Diagram or Graphic; USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. |
Photographer: | USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database |
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Number: | 5307095 |
Description: | Diagram or Graphic; Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 359. |
Photographer: | USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database |
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External Links
Invasive Reference(s)
Subject Reference(s)
- USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. -
http://plants.usda.gov/
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