Hairy canary-clover
Lotus hirsutus · Fabaceae
📷 Hubert Laroche · CC BY 2.5
⚠️ Graines contiennent des alcaloïdes toxiques. Chiens et chats : troubles gastro-intestinaux par ingestion.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hairy canary-clover: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Plant type
- Annual to semi-perennial herbaceous
- Adult height
- 60 to 80 cm
- Flowering
- June to August
- Flowers
- Small pink, white or bicolour flowers in clusters
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut and slightly hairy
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate (prefers temperate zones)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Sow directly in place from April to May, on lightly loosened prepared soil. No transplanting: it hates having its roots disturbed.
The common mistake
Transplanting into pots then replanting: waste of energy and frequent root blocking, fewer flowers.
The pro's trick
Autumn sowing is possible in mild climates, it flowers earlier.
Seasonal watch
Late August-September: spider mites in hot, dry periods.
Care
Watering
Spiny bird's-foot trefoil appreciates regular but moderate watering, particularly during active growth periods. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter or at the end of the growing season.
Exposure
This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive fully and produce abundant flowering. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for good vitality.
Soil and substrate
Spiny bird's-foot trefoil tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor or chalky ground. Well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral is ideal. Avoid waterlogging which could promote rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning or deadheading extends flowering and encourages branching. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Plants can be cut back hard at the end of the growing season before the new season.
Fertiliser
Being a legume, spiny bird's-foot trefoil fixes atmospheric nitrogen and requires only moderate fertiliser application. A balanced fertiliser or one slightly rich in phosphorus and potassium in spring is sufficient to support flowering.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather. Aphids may occasionally affect young shoots. Promote good air circulation and regular hygiene to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Spiny bird's-foot trefoil is a valuable ally in organic farming thanks to its nitrogen-fixing ability. As a legume, its nodulated roots host symbiotic bacteria that naturally enrich the soil with assimilable nitrogen, making it an excellent cover crop and green manure used since antiquity to restore soil fertility.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Common broomCytisus scoparius
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- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.