Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Fabaceae / Leguminosae ⟩ Lotus pedunculatus / greater bird’s-foot trefoil

Lotus pedunculatus Cav.

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

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

Synonym | Lotus uliginosus Schkuhr.

Lotus pedunculatus is almost as widespread as Lotus corniculatus, but prefers slightly more acidic conditions.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2008-07-20

 greater bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus pedunculatus: _Lotus pedunculatus_ is almost as widespread as _Lotus corniculatus_, but prefers slightly more acidic conditions.

The sinus between the calyx lobes is acute in Lotus pedunculatus; it is obtuse in Lotus corniculatus.

Salcombe (VC3: South Devon); 2008-08-30

 greater bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus pedunculatus: The sinus between the calyx lobes is acute in _Lotus pedunculatus_; it is obtuse in _Lotus corniculatus_.

In bud, the calyx teeth of Lotus pedunculatus are patent.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-06-15

 greater bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus pedunculatus: In bud, the calyx teeth of _Lotus pedunculatus_ are patent.

The fruit of Lotus pedunculatus is an elongated pod, similar to that of Lotus corniculatus.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2017-06-13

 greater bird’s-foot trefoil / Lotus pedunculatus: The fruit of _Lotus pedunculatus_ is an elongated pod, similar to that of _Lotus corniculatus_.

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