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 Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus Birds Foot
- 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.
