Lotus corniculatus
General - Birds-foot Trefoil is a long lived hardy perennial weed.
It gets its name from the seed pods produced after flowing, these seed pods resemble a birds foot.
It can often be found on river banks and ditches where it is free draining.
It is a leafy legume plant that can either grow prostate or erect and can reach a height of 40cm.
Leaves - Birds-foot Trefoil leaves are a blue - green colour. They consist of 5 leaflets, with the central 3 on a short stalk and the remaining 2 on the base of the stalk.
Flowers - The bright yellow flowers sometimes seen with orange or red streaks, flower between May and September.
Roots - Birds-foot Trefoil is a deep rooting weed with a branched root system which spread via stolons and rhizomes.
Habitat - It can adapt to most conditions but is particularly at home on dry, free draining soils. This weed can be an indicator of low fertility on lawns.
Cultural Control - Hand weeding may prove difficult for all but a few plants again it is important to completely remove the roots. Regular slashing or raking can help weaken and discourage Birds-foot Trefoil.
During the summer months maintain turf health with adequate nutrition and don't allow the soil to become too dry during periods of drought.
It gets its name from the seed pods produced after flowing, these seed pods resemble a birds foot.
It can often be found on river banks and ditches where it is free draining.
It is a leafy legume plant that can either grow prostate or erect and can reach a height of 40cm.
Leaves - Birds-foot Trefoil leaves are a blue - green colour. They consist of 5 leaflets, with the central 3 on a short stalk and the remaining 2 on the base of the stalk.
Flowers - The bright yellow flowers sometimes seen with orange or red streaks, flower between May and September.
Roots - Birds-foot Trefoil is a deep rooting weed with a branched root system which spread via stolons and rhizomes.
Habitat - It can adapt to most conditions but is particularly at home on dry, free draining soils. This weed can be an indicator of low fertility on lawns.
Cultural Control - Hand weeding may prove difficult for all but a few plants again it is important to completely remove the roots. Regular slashing or raking can help weaken and discourage Birds-foot Trefoil.
During the summer months maintain turf health with adequate nutrition and don't allow the soil to become too dry during periods of drought.
 |
 |
 |
 |