Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus cytisoides, Sp. Pl.: 776 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 776 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lotus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil, scientifically known as Lotus cytisoides, belongs to the Fabaceae family. This charming and resilient plant was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as “L.” in botanical literature.

Native to the Mediterranean region, Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil has adapted to thrive in this area’s typical climate, often found gracing its landscapes with vibrant foliage. This plant is particularly recognized for its unique and intricate flowers that resemble a bird’s foot, hence its common name. The grey hue of its leaves adds a distinctive touch to its overall appearance, making it stand out among other members of the Fabaceae family.

In terms of morphology, Lotus cytisoides is known for its sprawling growth habit. The plant produces small, clustered flowers that are typically yellow, which provide a striking contrast against its greyish foliage. This adaptation not only serves aesthetic purposes but also plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators essential for the plant’s reproduction cycle.

Ecologically, Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil plays a vital role in its native habitat. It contributes to nitrogen fixation in the soil, a common trait within the Fabaceae family, which enriches the soil and supports the growth of surrounding plant life. This characteristic makes Lotus cytisoides an important species for maintaining soil health and promoting biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Despite its commonality in Mediterranean regions, Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil remains a plant of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its unique physical characteristics and ecological benefits continue to be subjects of study and admiration, emphasizing the intricate beauty and functionality of our natural world.

Common Names

En: Grey Bird’s-foot-trefoil
Fr: Lotier faux cytise
He: לוטוס קירח
It: Ginestrino delle scogliere
: Grey bird’s-foot-trefoil

Synonyms

• Lotus glaucus (Rchb.)
• Lotus creticus var. bonifaciensis (Briq.)
• Lotus allionii (Desv.)
• Lotus cytisoides f. aurantius (Faure & Maire)
• Lotus creticus var. cytisoides ((L.) Boiss.)
• Lotus creticus var. patens ((C.Presl) Murb.)
• Lotus digii (Chrtková)
• Lotus argolicus (Link)
• Lotus creticus var. prostratus (Briq.)
• Lotus creticus subsp. cytisoides ((L.) Arcang.)
• Lotus cytisoides var. allionii ((Desv.) Willk.)
• Lotus prostratus subsp. cytisoides ((L.) Batt.)
• Lotus cuatrecasasii (Sennen & Mauricio)
• Lotus secundiflorus (Viv.)
• Lotus creticus var. allionii ((Desv.) Pérez Lara)
• Lotus patens (C.Presl)
• Lotus cytisoides subsp. allionii ((Desv.) P.Fourn.)
• Lotus cytisoides var. cinerascens (Emb. & Maire)
• Lotus glaucescens (C.Presl)
• Lotus cytisoides var. transiens (Maire & Sam.)
• Lotus cytisoides var. micranthus (Maire)
• Lotus cytisoides var. viridulus (Maire)
• Lotus cytisoides subsp. prostratus ((Briq.) Maire)
• Lotus cytisoides subsp. conradiae (Gamisans)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 7, 2018 by guyom (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Michel Michel MONTEIL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Michel Michel MONTEIL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2022 by Louis Aureglia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2022 by Raffaella Nastasi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by fra fra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Michel Michel MONTEIL (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2019 by Viviane Rezzoug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2020 by Buscemi Giuseppe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 9, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 15, 1984 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503580-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356937)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lotus cytisoides L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 1