How much sun does American Bird's-foot Trefoil need?

American Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?

American Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is American Bird's-foot Trefoil native?

American Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus unifoliolatus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does American Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?

American Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and beetles.

Is American Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?

American Bird's-foot Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Bird's-foot Trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lotus unifoliolatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus unifoliolatus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Great Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Lotus unifoliolatus is a low-growing native annual forb that forms spreading mats 4-12 inches tall. It produces small yellow pea-like flowers from April through June and thrives in full sun with minimal water. This drought-tolerant plant works well as groundcover in dry, sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Bird's-foot Trefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual nature means gaps and bare spots by late summer
Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
Low spreading habit may look too wild for formal front yard settings

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does American Bird's-foot Trefoil need?: American Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?: American Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is American Bird's-foot Trefoil native?: American Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus unifoliolatus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does American Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?: American Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees and beetles.
Is American Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?: American Bird's-foot Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Bird's-foot Trefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz