Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a hardy, perennial legume in the pea family, native to Europe and Asia. Known for its bright yellow flowers and nitrogen-fixing roots, it is widely utilized for livestock forage, soil improvement, and wildlife conservation, but it can also become a fast-spreading invasive weed.Appearance & Name OriginThe "Birdsfoot": The plant gets its common name from its distinct seed pods.
When ripe, the narrow, 1-inch-long cylindrical pods cluster together at outward angles, strongly resembling a bird's foot or claw.The "Trefoil": Its compound leaves consist of five leaflets. Three leaflets sit at the tip, while two smaller ones sit at the base of the stem, often tricking observers into thinking it is a three-leaf clover.
