Greater bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus, Icon. 2: 52 (1793))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Cav.

Bibliography: Icon. 2: 52 (1793)

Year: 1793

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lotus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, N. Africa, Europe to Türkiye

Description

The Greater bird’s-foot trefoil, scientifically known as Lotus pedunculatus, is a notable species in the Fabaceae family. First described in 1793, this plant has long captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to a diverse range of regions, including Macaronesia, North Africa, Europe, and extending as far as Türkiye, Lotus pedunculatus showcases a wide adaptability to various climates and terrains. Its presence spans from temperate zones to more arid landscapes, indicating a versatile ability to thrive under different environmental conditions.

Characterized by its brilliant yellow flowers that resemble the spread toes of a bird’s foot, hence the name, the Greater bird’s-foot trefoil is not only visually appealing but also ecologically significant. The plant contributes to nitrogen fixing in the soil, a common trait among members of the Fabaceae family, thus enriching the earth and supporting surrounding plant life.

This species typically flourishes in wet, marshy areas and is often found along riverbanks and meadows. It plays a crucial role in natural habitats, often providing food for pollinators and serving as forage for livestock. Moreover, Lotus pedunculatus is utilized in various restoration projects due to its resilience and beneficial properties to soil health.

In conclusion, the Greater bird’s-foot trefoil is a remarkable example of botanical beauty and ecological functionality. Its wide distribution and adaptability make it an important species within its native regions, and its contributions to soil health underscore its value in agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Common Names

Dan: sump-kællingetand
Deu: sumpf-hornklee, sumpfhornklee
Eng: big trefoil, greater bird’s-foot trefoil, greater birdsfoot-trefoil, loto de los pantanos, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, large bird’s-foot-trefoil, marsh bird’s-foot trefoil
Nno: fôrtiriltunge
Nob: fôrtiriltunge
Fin: isomaite
Cat: lot d´aiguamoll
Fra: lotier des fanges
Hun: lápi kerep
Por: lótus-serrano
Nld: moerasrolklaver
Swe: stor käringtand, sumpkäringtand
Cym: bacwn ac wyau, bysedd y diafol, carwbys mwyaf, ffa’r ieir, pys y ceirw blewog, pysen y ceirw fwyaf, pysen-y-ceirw fawr
En: Greater bird’s-foot trefoil, Big trefoil, Greater birdsfoot-trefoil, Loto de los pantanos, Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Large Bird’s-Foot-Trefoil, Marsh Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Marsh Bird’s-foot-trefoil
Ca: Lot d´aiguamoll, Lot d’aiguamoll
Da: Sump-kællingetand
Nl: Moerasrolklaver
Fi: Isomaite
Fr: Lotier des fanges, Lotier des marais, Lotier pédonculé, Lotier velu, Lotus des marais
De: Sumpf-Hornklee, Sumpfhornklee
Hu: Lápi kerep
It: Ginestrino delle paludi, Ginestrino palustre
Nb: Fôrtiriltunge
Nn: Fôrtiriltunge
Pt: Lótus-serrano
Sv: Stor käringtand, Sumpkäringtand
Cy: Bacwn ac Wyau, Bysedd y Diafol, Carwbys Mwyaf, Ffa’r Ieir, Pys y Ceirw Blewog, Pysen y Ceirw Fwyaf, Pysen-y-Ceirw Fawr

Synonyms

• Lotus corniculatus var. pedunculatus ((Cav.) Willk.)
• Lotus corniculatus subsp. decumbens ((Poir.) Merino)
• Lotus uliginosus var. brachycarpus (Willk.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Antipodean Is. (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Føroyar (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kermadec Is. (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Dominique Dennetiere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2006 by Sophie Sophie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Frank Huisman (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Catherine Jegou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by Juan D. Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Marta Maksymowicz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 30, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − LE ROY Jean-Pierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Gérard LEVESLIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Barbara MAI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − George FOWLER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356854)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503822-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lotus pedunculatus Cav.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.3

Ph minimum: 6.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 4