Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a common native wildflower. It's bright yellow flowers can be seen in Fields 1, 2 and in the wildflower meadow near Downlee Lodge. It flowers from May onwards and after haymaking it can be seen in uncut field margins near to the public footpath until September. It has become more widespread as part the increasing diversity resulting from more traditional management of these two hayfields. Some people will know this flower as “bacon and eggs” which derives from the colour of the flowers when they begin to open. Birds-foot Trefoil is particularly popular with bees and other insects that visit it for nectar.
A larger form, Marsh Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), occurs in the wetter area, Field 6, and the margin of the pond in Field 3, flowering from June to August.
Photographs of Bird's-foot Trefoil
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Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Bird's-foot Trefoil Marsh Bird's-foot Trefoil
