Greater Birdsfoot trefoil -lotus pedunculatus (peviously uligonosus)– will grow best in a sunny position, on marshy ground. In a garden setting, it is perfectly suited to a pond edge or bog garden where plants will attract a wide range of insects such as Bees. In the wild, Greater Birdsfoot trefoil attracts breeding butterflies such as the Common Blue, Wood White and Dingy Skipper that will lay their eggs on the plant. Greater Bird’s foot trefoil is a low growing species with a yellow flower that appears from July to September. It is similar in appearance to Common Birdsfoot trefoil but somewhat more robust in appearance, with larger leaves. Greater Birdsfoot trefoil looks best growing with other wetland plants that flower in mid summer such as Meadow sweet, Common Fleabane, and Purple loosestrife An alternative name for Greater Birdsfoot trefoil is Marsh Birdsfoot trefoil.
GREATER BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL Seeds
How to grow Greater Birdsfoot trefoil Seeds
Greater Birdsfoot trefoil seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Germination can be improved by lightly rubbing the seeds between 2 sheets of sandpaper. This is known as scarification and helps break down the seed’s tough outer shell. Greater Birdsfoot trefoil seeds are usually easy to germinate and the seedlings, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the yeartype - perennial,
colour - Yellow,
height - 25 to 100cms,
flowering months - July, August, September,
habitat - Very Wet Grassland (eg pond edges, Water Meadow), Moist Grassland (Clay, Loams), Very Acidic Soil (Peats, Heaths),
Attracts Butterflies and bees