Quick facts
Birdsfoot trefoil is a non-native plant that can be invasive in natural areas.
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This species is not regulated.
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Birdsfoot trefoil has been assessed through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's noxious weed regulation evaluation process, which recommends that birdsfoot trefoil should not be regulated to continue to allow its use in agronomic grazing systems.
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Do not intentionally seed birdsfoot trefoil in fields adjacent to native prairie management areas and do not include birdsfoot trefoil in wildlife or deer seed mixes. These actions will limit the chances of birdsfoot trefoil spreading into natural areas.
How to identify birdsfoot trefoil
- Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a perennial herbaceous forb, 12–24 inches tall.
- The clover-like plant has a sprawling growth pattern.
- It can reach up to 2 feet long.
Stem
- Stem can be either lying along the ground or semi-erect.
- Mostly hairless with many alternate branches.
Leaves
- Three clover-like compound leaflets (1/2 inch long) on a short stem with two additional stalkless leaflets at the base of the stem.
Flowers
- Yellow, pea-like, 1/2-inch-long flowers, typically in flat-topped clusters of 2–12, sometimes tinged with red.
- Blooms most of the summer.
Seeds
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1"-long brown-black seed pods (1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches long) are produced in clusters, resembling a bird’s foot.
Roots
- Taproot
Reviewed in 2023