Lotus corniculatus
Bird’s-foot Trefoil is a cheerful UK‑native perennial with clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers that often blush orange-red in strong sun. Its low, spreading habit makes it perfect for sunny borders, rockeries, wildflower meadows, and pollinator patches. It pairs beautifully with Wild Thyme and Kidney Vetch, both of which are also available in our store and are pet-friendly. This amazing flower is also a butterfly saviour, as it is a larval food plant for both the Dingy Skipper butterfly and the Six‑belted Clearwing moth - both species are incredibly vulnerable due to habitat loss. Due to its support of moths, it's also an excellent bat-supporting plant!
🌿 Full Sun, Part Sun
🌿 Pet Friendly
🌿 Medium Pollen
🌿 Growth Habit: Returns each year; spreads gently by seed and short creeping stems
🌿 Small flower; Height & Spread = 10–25 cm tall × 30–45 cm wide
🌿 Wildlife Value: A vital nectar and larval food plant for many species.
Care: Thrives in well-drained soil, including poor or sandy ground where other plants may struggle. Prefers full sun but tolerates part sun. Water during prolonged dry spells in its first year, then it becomes drought-tolerant. Suitable for shallow pots, rockery bowls, or window boxes with a minimum depth of 12–15 cm and a diameter of at least 20 cm. When planting in the ground, leave around 30 cm of space to allow its creeping stems to spread naturally. It self-seeds lightly; removing spent flowers before seed pods form will reduce spread. Dies back partially in winter and regrows strongly in spring.
Allergen Information: Medium pollen. Flowers from May to September, with pollen levels highest in midsummer. Individual sensitivities can vary and may develop over time. Pocket Wilds accepts no responsibility for any allergic reaction.
Pet Safety Notice: “Pet Friendly” means this plant is generally considered safe to be touched, sniffed, or lightly ingested by dogs and cats; however, no plant should be deliberately eaten in large quantities, as digestive upset may occur if it’s unfamiliar to the body. Individual allergies or sensitivities can also develop at any time, so Pocket Wilds always suggests supervision when introducing new plants to curious hands, paws, or mouths.
Fun Fact: In English folklore, Bird’s-foot Trefoil was sometimes called “Lady’s Slipper” or “Shoes and Stockings,” inspired by the shape of its seed pods, which resemble tiny bird feet.
