Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Fabaceae / Leguminosae ⟩ Lotus corniculatus / common bird’s-foot trefoil

Lotus corniculatus L.

common bird’s-foot trefoil (Fabaceae / Leguminosae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyNW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Lotus corniculatus is a very common plant of basic to slightly acidic grasslands across the British Isles.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2013-06-08

 common bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus corniculatus: _Lotus corniculatus_ is a very common plant of basic to slightly acidic grasslands across the British Isles.

From above, the sinus between the calyx lobes is visible; it is obtuse in Lotus corniculatus, but acute in Lotus pedunculatus.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2013-06-18

 common bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus corniculatus: From above, the sinus between the calyx lobes is visible; it is obtuse in _Lotus corniculatus_, but acute in _Lotus pedunculatus_.

The fruit of Lotus corniculatus is an elongated pod.

Cadboll (VC106: East Ross); 2019-07-02

 common bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus corniculatus: The fruit of _Lotus corniculatus_ is an elongated pod.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne