Birds Foot Trefoil

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a moderately long-lived herbaceous perennial legume. Also known as birdfoot deervetch, broadleaf birdsfoot trefoil, Dutchman’s clogs, and lady’s slippers. Uses include Erosion control: used along roadsides to control wind and water erosion. For Wildlife: Birdsfoot trefoil is a choice food for Canada goose, deer, and elk. As ground cover, it provides green cover most of the year and blooms profusely. It is a beneficial wildflower for bees.

Considered both edible and medicinal but be aware that all parts of this plant are poisonous. The seeds can be nibbled and it has been used medicinally as a antispasmodic, sedative, to remove gas and reduce fever.

Medicinal use of Bird's Foot Trefoil:

Carminative, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, restorative, vermifuge. The flowers are antispasmodic, cardiotonic and sedative. The root is carminative, febrifuge, restorative and tonic. The plant is used externally as a local anti-inflammatory compress in all cases of skin inflammation.

An orange-yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.

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Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.