Greater bird's-foot trefoil
Lotus pedunculatus · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant greater bird's-foot trefoil: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe, Western Asia
- Soil type
- Moist to marshy, tolerant
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Marsh bird's-foot trefoil loves moist soil and handles poorly drained areas well. Keep the soil constantly fresh, especially during active growth. In pots, water regularly without prolonged water stagnation. Reduce watering in winter during dormancy.
Exposure
Plant marsh bird's-foot trefoil in full sun for abundant flowering, or in partial shade in very hot regions. Good light promotes branching and flower production. Avoid dense shade which slows growth.
Soil
Marsh bird's-foot trefoil thrives in moist, clayey or organic soils, typically at pond edges or wet areas. It tolerates poor soils and doesn't mind temporary waterlogging. Improve drainage in pots with rich substrate mixed with peat or coco fiber.
Pruning
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to encourage a compact, branched shape. Remove dead or damaged stems. Cutting back after flowering extends flower production and rejuvenates the plant.
Fertilizer
Marsh bird's-foot trefoil, being a legume, naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen and needs little fertilizer. Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is plenty. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage over flowering.
Diseases and pests
Marsh bird's-foot trefoil is generally hardy and rarely prone to disease. Watch for root rot if soil becomes chronically waterlogged. Aphids may occasionally affect young shoots; a water spray usually eliminates them.
Did you know?
Marsh bird's-foot trefoil, once abundant in Europe's wet meadows and marshes, was used for forage improvement and stabilization of wet areas. Its root nodules contain symbiotic bacteria capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into accessible nutrients, making it a natural ally for farmers and hydrophilic ecosystems.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.