Birdsfoot Trefoil - Lotus corniculatus L.

Birdsfoot Trefoil is a long lived perennial legume when planted in areas where it is well adapted.  Adequate moisture is a primary limiting factor to adaptation and because Birdsfoot Trefoil takes up to two years to fully establish, competition from aggressive weeds or grasses can impede establishment.  Birdsfoot Trefoil can withstand flooding and soils with low fertility, high alkalinity and some salinity and acidity.  It is commonly grown for forage production but usually only in areas where Alfalfa will not establish due to poor soil drainage.  Birdsfoot Trefoil is also grown for erosion control due to the strong deep tap root system it develops when mature.  Because the winter hardiness of Birdsfoot Trefoil can vary from low to high depending on the variety, it is important to choose a winter hardy variety like Leo for planting in Canada.  Imported Trefoil in particular seed from South America lacks winter hardiness.