American Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus unifoliolatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
OR
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Bird's-foot Trefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.