Birdsfoot Fenugreek, Bird clover
Trifolium ornithopodioides

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Trifolium ornithopodioides is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Dry sandy places in southern England, mainly near the coast.

Southern and western Europe, including Britain, from Denmark south to N. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw or cooked. The dried leaves are coumarin-scented and have been suggested as a substitute for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Dynamic accumulator.

Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Succeeds in a moist, well-drained circum-neutral soil in full sun. In the wild plants are found in open habitats that are moist or wet in winter. Plants are also likely to be resistant to maritime exposure. Succeeds in poor soils. It grows well in an apple orchard, the trees will produce tastier fruit that stores better. It should not be grown with camellias or gooseberries because it harbours a mite that can cause fruit drop in the gooseberries and premature budding in the camellias. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Buttercups growing nearby depress the growth of the nitrogen bacteria by means of a root exudate.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. If the seed is in short supply it might be better to sow it in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Falcata falsotrifolium. F. ornithopodioides. Trigonella ornithopodioides. Trigonella purpurascens.