Meadow Bird's-Foot Trefoil

Hosackia pinnata

Native to:
Canada, United States
Meadow Bird's-Foot Trefoil

Edwards, Sydenham, 1769?-1819; Lindley, John, 1799-1865

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Hosackia
Species:
Hosackia pinnata
USDA Symbol:
LOPI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
yellow, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Scarification recommended for hard seed coat typical of Fabaceae. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI