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Common Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

Toxicity unknown

Common Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) 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.

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

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Native alternatives to Common Bird's-foot Trefoil

Common Bird's-foot Trefoil is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.
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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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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