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Common Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Common Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Bird's-foot Trefoil as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and Range

Common bird's-foot trefoil is a low-growing perennial legume that produces bright yellow pea-like flowers from June through August. This hardy plant spreads to form dense mats and tolerates poor soils while requiring minimal water once established. It naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for surrounding plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common 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.

  • Considered a weedy species by many
  • Spreading growth habit can look uncontrolled
  • Often viewed as pasture weed rather than ornamental

Wildlife value

The abundant yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer blooming period. As a legume, it provides important nectar resources for pollinators during peak growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Bird's-foot Trefoil need?
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Bird's-foot Trefoil bloom?
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Common Bird's-foot Trefoil native?
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Common Bird's-foot Trefoil toxic to cats?
Yes. Common Bird's-foot Trefoil is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Bird's-foot Trefoil toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Bird's-foot Trefoil as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Common Bird's-foot Trefoil attract?
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Common Bird's-foot Trefoil HOA-friendly?
Common 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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