Bird’s-foot-trefoil  (Lotus corniculatus)

Common and widespread: not threatened (3).

The humble and diminutive bird’s-foot-trefoil goes by a plethora of local names; Geoffrey Grigson, in ‘The Englishman’s Flora’ counted over 70 (4). Many of these names, including bacon and eggs, refer to the delightful colouration of the flowers, which are a rich yolk-yellow, often streaked with bright red (2). Some, such as ‘Dutchman’s clogs’ and ‘lady’s slippers’ hint at the general shape of the flowers, which resemble old fashioned slippers or shoes (5). The long seed-pods, which are reminiscent of claws, are alluded to by yet other names, including ‘granny’s toenails’ and ‘Devil’s fingers’ (5). This familiar member of the pea family (Fabaceae) creeps along the ground; the stems and lance-shaped leaflets are typically smooth (6).

This native plant is common and widespread throughout Britain (2) (3). It is also found throughout most of mainland Europe, and occurs in Asia, north and east Africa, and in mountainous parts of the tropics (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Inhabits grasslands, such as meadows, downland, montane rock ledges, and hill pastures. It also occurs on sand dunes and coastal cliff-tops (3).

This perennial species flowers throughout most of summer (3) (5). The flowers produce nectar and are usually pollinated by bees (2).

This species is not threatened.

Conservation action is not required for this very common species.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

For more information on British native plants and for details of how to get involved in plant conservation visit the website of Plantlife, the wild plant charity:
www.plantlife.org.uk