Bird's-foot trefoil

Lotus corniculatus L.

Family: Fabaceae

Nectar Plant for Bees

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

No preparation or handling guidance was found in the sources used.

Hazard type

No poison information was found in the sources used. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

The safety check found no page assessing bird's-foot trefoil for pets. Do not assume it is safe because it is a pea-family plant or looks like clover; it is not a clover. Not listed means no pet-safety verdict was found, not that the plant is safe. Keep pets from eating it and call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line if a pet seems unwell.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: full sun
Mature size: Up to about 8 inches (20 cm) tall in the RHS description; RHS lists maximum height and spread each as 0.1 to 0.5 m (metric as the source gives it). USDA NRCS: height varies with prostrate, ascending or erect habit.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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