I stumbled upon this prairie delight on a recent hike. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It was introduced to North America, often for use as forage for livestock and for erosion control along roadsides, and has since become naturalized in many areas, sometimes even considered an invasive species.
For cultivation, birdsfoot trefoil prefers full sun and well-draining soil, although it can tolerate various soil types, including clay, sand, acidic, and alkaline conditions. It’s important to plant scarified seeds (to aid germination) shallowly, no deeper than 1/4 inch, and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. While it can grow in low-fertility soils, it thrives with proper liming (to a pH of at least 5.5-6.0) and fertilization, particularly phosphorus. It’s often seeded with grasses for optimal forage production and requires careful weed control during establishment due to its low seedling vigor. Maintaining established stands involves allowing the plant to reseed and avoiding excessive defoliation or shading. Cheers
By
