Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil
Lotus halophilus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Lotus halophilus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Maritime sands.

S.E. Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed. No more details are given, but some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The plants use was listed for L. villosus and the report did not cite the author. We have found two authors for that name, L. villosus. Forsk. is listed as a synonym for L. halophilus (the treatment we have used here) and there is also L. villosus. Burm.f. to which this report might more properly apply. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Dislikes shade. Does well on poor soils. A good bee plant. 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.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in the spring or the autumn. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 15°c. If seed is in short supply, it can be sown 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 or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

No reports of toxicity have been seen for this species but at least one member of the genus contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. villosus.