Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus – Birds Foot

Description

Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus – Birds Foot

Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus Birds Foot. A native British flower, Lotus corniculatus is widespread and found growing as a flat, cushion up to 6in high. It has woody, spreading stems, with small trefoil leaves, and flat clusters of bright yellow pea-flowers streaked with red in summer and autumn. The thin seed pods from these are said to look like a bird’s foot, hence the name. The plants thrive best in thin poor soil in full to part sun.

Cultivation Advice

Sow from early spring to late summer.
The seed has a tough coating which benefits from scarification. You soak the seed overnight or line a jar with sandpaper and shake to scratch the seeds.
The seed can be tray sown but best direct to the growing location which should be lightly raked and weed free.
The seed is slow to germinate and slow to develop at first, therefore sow thickly to avoid being overwhelmed by other faster growing weeds.
Lightly damp down the soil and rake in after sowing.
Germination will take between 2-4 weeks dependant on conditions.
The plants will readily re-seed once established.