Invasive Species: Lotus corniculatus, Birdsfoot Trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil is an invasive low-growing, perennial forb with stems that can reach 2 ft. (0.6 m) long. Leaves are compound (with five oval to linear leaflets), stipulate, and alternate. Leaflets (upper three) are 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) wide; the lower two resemble leaf-like stipules. Flowering occurs from May to August, when yellow, sweet pea-like flowers develop. Flowers develop in clusters of two to eight on a long peduncle (stalk). Fruits are pods that occur in head-like clusters. Each pod is brown to black, cylindrical, 0.6 to 1.4 in. (1.5 to 3.5 cm) long, contains up to 49 seeds, and has a persistent style at the apex. Birdsfoot trefoil is native to Eurasia and North Africa and occurs in pastures, roadsides, wetlands, disturbed grasslands, and riparian areas.
What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Fabales > Fabaceae > Lotus corniculatus L.
Synonym(s): birdfoot deervetch
Lotus corniculatus – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
Birdsfoot trefoil – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Plant
Birdsfoot trefoil is a low-growing, perennial forb with stems that can reach 2 ft. (0.6 m) long.
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Chris Evans, University of Illinois, |
John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are compound (with five oval to linear leaflets), stipulate, and alternate. Leaflets (upper three) are 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) wide; the lower two resemble leaf-like stipules.
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| Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, Ohio State University, bugwood.org | Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, bugwood.org |
Flower
Flowering occurs from May to August, when yellow, sweet pea-like flowers develop. Flowers develop in clusters of two to eight on a long peduncle (stalk).
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| Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, bugwood.org | David Cappaert, Michigan State University, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruits are pods that occur in head-like clusters. Each pod is brown to black, cylindrical, 0.6 to 1.4 in. (1.5 to 3.5 cm) long, contains up to 49 seeds, and has a persistent style at the apex.
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Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, |
Ken Chamberlain, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Can Resemble Birdsfoot Trefoil
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Birdsfoot Trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil – Images at Invasive.org
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s college of agriculture, Cooperative Extension office, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Weed of the Week – USDA Forest Service
Global Invasive Species Database – Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Terrestrial invasive species – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Alaska Natural Heritage Program – University of Alaska Anchorage
Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium – University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point