Slender bird's-foot trefoil
Lotus tenuis · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant slender 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
- June to September, small yellow flowers in umbels
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates down to -15°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and temperate zones
- Soil type
- Well-draining, undemanding, tolerates poor soils
Care
Sunlight and climate
Slender bird's-foot trefoil prefers a sunny location (6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight) for optimal flowering. It handles windy areas well and adapts to both temperate and Mediterranean climates. Protection from excessive winter moisture is recommended in very humid regions.
Watering and humidity
Once established, this is a very drought-tolerant plant. Water moderately when planting and during dry spells in summer. In winter, drastically reduce watering, especially in heavy soil. Avoid waterlogging which promotes root rot.
Soil preparation
Bird's-foot trefoil appreciates light, well-draining soil. Enrich poor soil with compost at planting time. If your soil is clayey or compacted, add sand or gravel to improve drainage. This legume fixes atmospheric nitrogen, making it undemanding in terms of fertilization.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is necessary after planting. In very poor soil, a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Perform light pruning in spring to maintain a compact, bushy habit. Cut back stems after flowering to encourage branching. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter. Pruning is not strictly necessary and remains purely cosmetic.
Diseases and pests
Bird's-foot trefoil is very hardy and rarely susceptible to disease if drainage is good. Powdery mildew may appear in hot, humid conditions—improve air circulation. Occasional aphids don't require treatment. Watch mainly for root rot in waterlogged soil.
Did you know?
The Lotus genus includes remarkable species: the sacred lotus of ancient Egyptians and the mythical lotus from Homer's Odyssey, which inspired countless legends. Lotus tenuis, though less prestigious, is an excellent soil nitrogen fixer and was long used to naturally improve Mediterranean meadows and pastures in Europe, without chemical fertilizers.
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.