Common Bird's-foot Trefoil

Description:

Lotus corniculatus is a common flowering plant native to grassland temperate Eurasia and North Africa. The common name is Bird's-foot Trefoil (or similar, such as "birdsfoot trefoil"), though the common name is often also applied to other members of the genus. It is also known in cultivation in North America as Birdfoot Deervetch. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, similar in appearance to some clovers. The flowers develop into small pea-like pods or legumes. The name 'bird's foot' refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. There are five leaflets, but with the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name trefoil. The height of the plant is variable, from 5–20 cm, occasionally more where supported by other plants; the stems can reach up to 50 cm long. It is typically sprawling at the height of the surrounding grassland. It can survive fairly close grazing, trampling and mowing. It is most often found in sandy soils. It Flowers from June until September. It is reported invasive in CA, IL, MN, MO, OR, TN, VA, WA, and WI. Bird’s-foot trefoil creates tangled mats of dense growth that can choke out other plants. It spreads to threaten the diversity of native plants.

Habitat:

It is located in roadsides, waste areas, fields, prairies, wildlife openings, and open disturbed areas. It tolerates a variety of soil types including dry, moist, hardpan or droughty soils.

Notes:

Ecological Threat Birdsfoot trefoil is native to Eurasia and North Africa and occurs in pastures, roadsides, wetlands, disturbed grasslands and riparian areas. - See more at: http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.c... Spotted growing along roadside next to canals amid ferns and carnivorous plants. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Folkston entrance)