How much sun does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil need?

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil bloom?

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil native?

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil (Acmispon heermannii) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil attract?

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil draws native bees.

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acmispon heermannii

Last reviewed: November 2026

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil (Acmispon heermannii) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil (Acmispon heermannii) 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

6"–18" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Heermann's lotus is a low, spreading perennial forb or subshrub with small trifoliate leaves and clusters of yellow pea-shaped flowers that age to red-orange. It grows in dry washes and rocky desert slopes.

Growing Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil

Grow Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The pea-shaped flowers are visited by small native bees, and as a legume the plant helps enrich the surrounding soil with nitrogen.

Common questions

How much sun does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil need?: Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil bloom?: Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil native?: Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil (Acmispon heermannii) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil attract?: Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil draws native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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Ready to grow Heermann's bird's-foot trefoil? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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