Common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), also known as “the bacon and eggs plant”, is a fascinating and widespread lawn weed that brings both charm and challenges to gardeners. Its bright yellow flowers with hints of red make it a vibrant addition to many environments, but its persistence can lead to frustrations for those striving for a weed free lawn.
It is is a perennial plant, meaning it has a lifespan of more than two years. It grows back from its root system each year and is fully hardy and well adapted to our UK climate.
About common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Bird’s-foot trefoil is known by several common names in the UK, including “Bacon and Eggs”, “Hen and Chickens”, “Granny’s toenails” and “Lady’s Slipper”. These names often reference its distinctive yellow flowers or distinctive curved seed pods.
The Latin name for Common bird’s-foot trefoil is Lotus corniculatus. “Lotus” is derived from the Greek word for leguminous plants and “corniculatus” translates to “horned,” referring to the curved seed pods that resemble a bird’s foot.
Family of Plants and Other Weed Relations
Bird’s-foot trefoil belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is commonly known as the pea family. This family also includes clovers, vetches, and alfalfa, many of which are also found in lawns and meadows.
Its leaves look very similar to Lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium) and it is also closely related to White clover (Trifolium repens). As a legume, it has a beneficial symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil it grows in. For a more natural looking lawn, keeping any clover family of plants growing will help the grass (and other plants) but for a more formal lawn, control is usually preferred.
Commonality
Common bird’s-foot trefoil is very common across the UK and is frequently seen in wildflower meadows, verges, and gardens. It is popular in wildflower seed mixes due to its ecological benefits.
Native to Europe and Asia, bird’s-foot trefoil has been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, where it is valued for its soil-stabilizing properties, although it is considered invasive in some regions.
In the UK, it thrives in both rural and urban areas, adapting well to a variety of different climates and soil conditions.
Seasons and Habitat
Bommon bird’s-foot trefoil thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils, including sandy, chalky, and even compacted soil. It is highly adaptable and can flourish in areas with poor fertility.
The plant is most active in spring and summer, with bright yellow flowers appearing from May to September.
How to identify common bird’s-foot trefoil
It is a low-growing plant, rarely exceeding 20-25 cm in height, though it can spread much wider. The plant forms a mat-like shape, with its sprawling stems allowing it to cover significant ground in a growing season. It mostly lives in the grass sward, escaping the mower.
The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they grow in groups of three, with two additional smaller leaflets at the base, giving them a unique “five-leaf” appearance. Its stems are slender and creeping, rooting at intervals as they spread across the ground.
The flowers are the plant’s most recognizable feature. They are bright yellow with a touch of red, resembling tiny flames. The flowering period runs from May to September and it seeds readily if it is allowed to.
The plant has a deep, fibrous root system, enabling it to survive in poor soils and recover quickly from mowing.
The plant spreads through seeds, which are housed in pods resembling a bird’s foot. These seeds are prolific and can lay dormant in the soil for years.
As a perennial, it persists for several years, spreading gradually and returning each season. This is why complete control can be tricky year after year.
Cooking and Medicine
While not widely used in cooking, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and has been used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of the active compounds found in bird’s-foot trefoil have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it a valuable plant for those interested in natural remedies.
Some cultures prepared teas or poultices from the plant to relieve anxiety, insomnia, or inflammation. However, care must be taken as parts of the plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Wildlife
Common bird’s-foot trefoil is a valuable UK native plant for wildlife. Its flowers provide a valuable nectar source and pollen for bees, butterflies, and moths.
It serves as a host plant for several butterfly species, including the Common Blue.
Controlling common bird’s-foot trefoil in a UK lawn
Although it is beneficial for wildlife, its spread can be problematic in a formal lawn setting. Mowing regularly will reduce flowering and hence seed production.
Controlling small numbers of individual plants is not difficult. But, if it has established for years the sheer numbers may be overwhelming. Careful hand weeding can be effective, although this can take a considerable time. Picking it out of a lawn as soon as you see it will prevent spreading organically. Professional maintenance will keep it under control. It is important to do this before the plant flowers and the seeds set and it becomes a bigger problem.
Selective lawn weedkillers and professional herbicides are the best control for bird’s-foot trefoil. I have never found it to be a difficult plant on maintained lawns. Some regrowth from seeds is possible if the infestation is widespread.
If you have a problem with common bird’s-foot trefoil in your lawn and live in the Exeter area of Devon, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Further reading and references
- Royal Horticultural Society: Birds Foot Trefoil.
- The Wildlife Trusts.
- Wikipedia
- National Biodiversity Network – Lotus corniculatus : Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil
Photos of common bird’s-foot trefoil plants
