Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Birdsfoot Trefoil
A perennial forage legume valued in grass pastures for summer growth and as a non-bloating grazing legume; establishment can be slow and drought limits persistence.
Lotus corniculatus · Perennial forage legume
Profile
- Habit
- Low-growing perennial legume.
- Establishment
- Small seed and weak seedling vigor call for careful seedbed preparation.
- Soil
- Tolerates a range of soil conditions, including imperfect drainage.
- Drought
- Sensitive to drought and persistence can be low on well-drained sites.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- Keep the seed zone moist during establishment; avoid prolonged drying of young plants.
- Salinity tolerance
- Not documented in the cited pages.
- Drought tolerance
- Described as very drought-sensitive.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
3–8 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Moisture is especially important while seedlings establish; mature stands may be diminished by dry conditions.
Problems to watch
- Slow establishment and competition from weeds
Stress signs
- Poor seedling establishment and stand thinning during drought.
Where you'll find it
- Pasture
- Hay or silage
- Grass-legume mixtures
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All Science profilesPublished botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.