Birdsfoot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus, Fabaceae

Zones

3–8

Layer

Ground Cover

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverPollinator Attractor

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)

Water

Low

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

AlfalfaMedicago sativa

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Sweet CherryPrunus avium

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

AppleMalus domestica

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Wild RiceZizania palustris

Nitrogen Fixation

SainfoinOnobrychis viciifolia

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Self-HealPrunella vulgaris

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Antagonistic Plants

Big SagebrushArtemisia tridentata

Big sagebrush may produce compounds that inhibit legume nitrogen fixation

Japanese HoneysuckleLonicera japonica

Honeysuckle can smother nitrogen-fixing legumes like birdsfoot trefoil, reducing their beneficial effects

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationFodder

Common Questions

What zones does Birdsfoot Trefoil grow in?

Birdsfoot Trefoil grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8.

Is Birdsfoot Trefoil a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Birdsfoot Trefoil is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Birdsfoot Trefoil?

Good companions for Birdsfoot Trefoil include Alfalfa, Sweet Cherry, Apple, Wild Rice, Sainfoin.

Design guilds with Birdsfoot Trefoil and see companion relationships visually.

Try PatternBase free