Lotus corniculatus (Birds-foot Trefoil)
| Also known as: | Birdfoot Deervetch |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Lotus |
| Family: | Fabaceae (Pea) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Status: |
|
| Habitat: | sun; fields, lawns, along roads |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 6 to 24 inches |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flower and leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/birds-foot-trefoil-100_0641.jpg)
A mass of bright yellow pea-like flowers ½ inch across. May turn orange with age.
Leaves:
Upper leaves resemble a 3-leaf clover but the leaves are usually more elongated and pointed at the tip (see lower left corner of above photo). There are 2 smaller leaves at the stalk base that may not be not readily visible.
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More photos
a mass of Birds-foot Trefoil
extreme close-up of a flower that's turning orange Extreme close-up photo taken in my yard, July 2006. All other photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2006.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2009-06-29 18:53:03
I know you will have a wonderful time photographing 120 acres of wildflowers!
on: 2009-07-12 12:30:39
We have them aplenty in Hubbard County near Itasca
on: 2009-08-09 20:19:16
They're all over my mother's lawn.
on: 2009-08-30 15:33:31
I think they are gorgeous and would like to include them in my well-established backyard perennial garden, but it seems the DNR classifies them as an invasive species that chokes out native wildflowers. I would appreciate some advice on whether that means I shouldn't plant them. What are the practical -- or "moral" considerations?
on: 2009-08-30 21:11:06
I ask that you reconsider. It makes it that much harder to control invasive species when people plant them on purpose. And as much as you try, you cannot keep them contained to your own yard, so they will just add to the ever increasing problem.
on: 2010-12-09 10:56:25
Aww man I love these flowers their the only thing we can grow in that area! Grass barely grows there lol. They do get pretty thick and intense scented. *sighs* was happy about the creeping charlie but this is a bummer.
on: 2011-06-08 14:00:24
Possible native wildflower planting? It doesn't look like it should be here on the distribution map. Found June 8, 2011 - a few feet from creek.
on: 2011-08-20 19:20:16
I'm thinking these are the ubiquitous yellow flowers we saw as we were biking this last week. I'm a rookie at flower ID, so wonder if anyone can confirm this!
on: 2011-08-20 21:52:45
Most likely that is what you saw, as it is ubiquitous along roadsides in most of the state.
on: 2011-09-22 07:56:37
I have been wondering what these flowers are for ages! They like to grow around our area, especially near the curbs. Thanks so much for the information!
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on: 2009-06-29 18:35:33
I have several in my front yard. I live in Cloquet MN. Here is a link [on Facebook] to the photo I took. I moved here last year and this year decided to take pictures of all the flowers i could find on my 120 acers of property.