Bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus')
Lotus corniculatus 'Pleniflorus' (Bird's foot trefoil) is a tough, low-growing perennial ideal for ground cover and erosion control.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’, commonly known as Bird’s foot trefoil, is prized by gardeners for its extreme toughness and vigorous ground-covering habits. This herbaceous perennial forms dense mats quickly, making it an excellent choice where low maintenance and quick coverage are paramount. The cultivar ‘Pleniflorus’ is notable for its double flowers, adding textural interest to its bright yellow summer display.
Native to Eurasia, Bird’s foot trefoil has found immense utility worldwide, particularly for its ability to stabilize slopes and thrive in difficult soils. Despite its benefits, homeowners must respect the aggressive spreading nature of Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ to prevent it from overwhelming desirable plantings. It offers a long bloom season, providing consistent, cheerful color from late spring through autumn.
For those seeking a durable, drought-tolerant, and adaptable groundcover that requires minimal intervention once established, Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ is a highly practical selection. Assess your gardening space carefully, ensuring its spreading tendency aligns with your design goals.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Fabaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to October
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Bird’s foot trefoil in spring or fall, aiming for a location where its spreading nature can be embraced. It is exceedingly adaptable, thriving easily in almost any soil type, including clay, as long as it receives full sun exposure. Soil preparation is minimal; this plant tolerates shallow, rocky conditions well, confirming its reputation as a robust choice for tough sites.
Water needs are best described as medium. While established plants tolerate occasional drought admirably, consistent moisture during the initial establishment phase will encourage rapid coverage. Fertilization is rarely necessary, as the Fabaceae family members naturally fix nitrogen, supporting their own growth without external feeding.
Since Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ is a fast spreader, management is key. You can control its spread and desired shape by mowing, shearing, or division as needed throughout the growing season. In cooler zones, minimal cleanup will be required in early spring before new growth emerges.
Landscape Uses
The primary strength of Bird’s foot trefoil lies in its utility as a tough ground cover for full sun areas. It spreads quickly by runners and seed, filling in space rapidly. This aggressive habit makes it perfect for challenging areas where other plants struggle to establish.
Consider using Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ as a low-mow lawn alternative or integrating it into borders where its creeping habit can spill attractively over edges. It performs exceptionally well in rock gardens, offering a soft contrast to hardscaping elements. Furthermore, it is suitable for planting between stepping stones where pedestrian traffic is expected, as it tolerates moderate foot traffic.
Due to its ability to establish quickly and stabilize soil, it is highly recommended for naturalizing areas on banks or slopes susceptible to erosion. While it spreads aggressively, containment within borders or raised beds can harness its utility without allowing it to dominate unintended spaces.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lotus corniculatus, commonly called golden bird’s-foot or bird’s-foot trefoil, is a spreading, herbaceous perennial commonly found growing in the fields, grasslands, and roadsides of its native Eurasia. The term “trefoil” refers to the three leaflets that make up the compound leaves of this plant, which resemble clover. ‘Pleniflorus’ is a double flowered cultivar that only reaches 3-4” in height but remains a fast spreader.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
This plant is noted for having virtually no pest or disease problems, which adds to its low-maintenance appeal. The main potential issue with Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ stems from its aggressive growth habit. Depending on your local ecosystem, it may be categorized as an exotic invasive weed, meaning it can spread readily outside of cultivation.
Gardeners must be aware of this aggressiveness before planting. If you allow seed pods to mature and drop, expect the plant to colonize adjacent areas quickly. To prevent unwanted spread, deadhead flowers promptly if you wish to limit self-seeding, or plant it only in areas where aggressive spreading is desired or contained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bird’s foot trefoil suitable for?
USDA Zones 4 through 9 are suitable for successfully growing Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’.
How large does Bird’s foot trefoil grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height between 0.25 to 0.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Bird’s foot trefoil need?
Bird’s foot trefoil requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce its best performance.
When does Bird’s foot trefoil bloom?
Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ offers continuous blooms from May through October, featuring bright yellow flowers.
Conclusion
For resilience, low upkeep, and exceptional ground coverage, Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ serves as an outstanding choice, particularly in full sun expositions. The vigorous nature of this Bird’s foot trefoil variety ensures that once established, it provides consistent density and color throughout the growing season. Before planting, confirm that your USDA hardiness zone falls between 4 and 9 and plan containment strategies if necessary.
Companion Planting
When integrating Bird’s foot trefoil into a landscape design, pair it with less aggressive, sun-loving perennials that appreciate similar lean soil conditions. Low-growing sedums or creeping thyme provide textural contrast without competing aggressively for space, especially in rock garden settings. Avoid planting near delicate border plants that might be smothered by the spreading runners of Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’.
For areas where you are actively trying to suppress weeds on a dry slope, consider utilizing ornamental grasses that thrive in similar full sun and drought conditions. The combination creates a rugged, aesthetically pleasing meadow look that requires minimal post-establishment care.
Wildlife Benefits
Though noted aggressively in some regions, the flowers of Bird’s foot trefoil are beneficial for local pollinators. The pea-like yellow flowers provide a reliable nectar source during the long bloom period between May and October. By supporting beneficial insects, this plant contributes positively to local biodiversity, provided its spread is monitored.
In addition to supporting pollinators, the dense matting habit of Lotus corniculatus ‘Pleniflorus’ provides excellent habitat cover close to the ground layer. This coverage can be beneficial for ground-nesting birds and small beneficial insects seeking shelter from predators or harsh weather.
