Birdsfoot trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Perennial nitrogen-fixing legume with a branching taproot and bright yellow clustered flowers. Potentially long-lived in northern regions; cold hardy. Tolerant of marginal ground, including shallow soils with low fertility, low pH and poor drainage, as well as heaving soils unsuited to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Less forage yield than alfalfa in well-drained, fertile soils. Non-bloating and fine stemmed, excellent for hay, grazing pasture and wildlife habitat. Superior forage quality to alfalfa. Low seedling vigor; mix with non-aggressive perennial grasses to improve forage yield and prevent lodging. Intolerant of summer overgrazing. Avoid fall grazing to improve winter survival and spring growth. Readily reseeds itself. Grow to maturity every third year to allow seed-set and maintain the stand. Pollen and nectar used by honeybees and bumble bees.