Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus peregrinus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Birdsfoot trefoil on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Birdsfoot trefoil
Lotus peregrinus, also known as Lotier voyageur or Dioscorides' Lotus, is an annual or biennial legume native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its small, clustered yellow flowers and grayish-green foliage. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as a groundcover in warm, dry climates, adding a wild and natural touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and prefers well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, avoiding waterlogging. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It does not require frequent fertilization.
How to save a dying Birdsfoot trefoil
- Warning signs
- Yellowing/browning leaves, wilting; no blooms.
- First aid
- Check drainage, watering. Provide full sun. Prune dry parts.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and shade. Does not tolerate waterlogging or lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's resilient, but needs sun and good drainage.