Lotus pedunculatus
greater bird's foot trefoil
A native perennial of damp open habits, up to 30cm tall with stout stems and dark green leaves composed of leaflets. In spring and early summer masses of pea-like large bright yellow flowers in racemes, are produced
Other common names
pysen-y-ceirw fawrSize
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing, Spreading branched
- Genus
Lotus can be annuals, perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with simple or compound leaves and pea-like flowers that may be solitary or clustered
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown as a wildflower in damp, marshy habitats and best grown in an open situation in moisture-retentive slightly acid soil with full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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