Lotus corniculatus

It is a perennial herbaceous plant. The height of the plant is variable, from , occasionally more where supported by other plants; the stems can reach up to long. The name 'bird's foot' refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. The leaves have five leaflets, but with the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name 'trefoil'. There are no tendrils. The flowers are in clusters on a longish stalk. The five green sepals are fused into a tube around the base of the petals. The 5 yellow petals form a shape typical of peas; the lower two are fused into a boat shape, the uppermost is erect and the remaining two are at the sides as wings. The 10 stamens and single carpel are concealed by the petals. The flowers bloom from June to September and develop into small pea-like pods or legumes. The plant had many common English names in Britain, which are now mostly out of use. These names were often connected with the yellow and orange colour of the flowers, e.g. 'butter and eggs'. One name that is still used is eggs and bacon (or bacon and eggs). The leaves are similar in appearance to some clovers. ==Subtaxa==

The following subspecies are accepted: • Lotus corniculatus subsp. afghanicus • Lotus corniculatus subsp. corniculatus • Lotus corniculatus subsp. delortii • Lotus corniculatus subsp. fruticosus • Lotus corniculatus subsp. preslii ==Distribution and habitat==

Lotus corniculatus has a broad distribution worldwide. It is native to temperate Eurasia and North Africa. It is common everywhere in Britain and Ireland. and roadsides. 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. == Ecology ==

The flowers are mostly visited by bumblebees. In the Chicago Region, mostly non-native bees have been observed visiting the flowers, including Andrena wilkella, Anthidium oblongatum, Apis mellifera and Megachile rotundata. The native bees Bombus impatiens and Megachile relativa have also been observed visiting birdsfoot trefoil flowers, though the latter only rarely. It is a host plant for the wood white butterfly, Leptidea sinapis. As an invasive species Birdsfoot trefoil is an invasive species in many parts of North America and Australia. It has been commonly planted along roadsides for erosion control or pastures for forage and then spreads into natural areas. Once it has established in an area, it can outcompete native species. The use of prescribed fire is not an effective management tool against L. corniculatus and herbicide is recommended instead to control it. ==Potential health concerns==

The species contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide when macerated. This is not normally poisonous to humans, though, as the dose is very low, and the metabolization of cyanide is relatively quick. Condensed tannins are also present. ==Uses==

It is used in agriculture as a forage plant, grown for pasture, hay, and silage. It is a high quality forage that does not cause bloat in ruminants. Taller-growing cultivars have been developed for this. It may be used as an alternative to alfalfa in poor soils. A double-flowered variety is grown as an ornamental plant. It is regularly included as a component of wildflower mixes in Europe. It can also prevent soil erosion and provide a good habitat for wildlife. ==Gallery==