Common bird's-foot-trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Up to 35 cm tall. A variable perennial that may be hairy or hairless and can have a creeping or ascending habit. Leaves are grey-green and downy; they comprise of five leaflets, although they appear trifoliate. Flowers are 10-16 mm long and usually yellow, tinged reddish; borne on stalked heads of two to seven flowers. Fruits are slender pods, 15-30 mm long, which are splayed like the toes of a bird's foot.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Favours all sorts of grassy habitats and tolerates a wide range of soil types.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

Flowers April-September

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread and often common throughout most of Europe in suitable habitats.

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