Lotus alpinus
Lotus alpinus
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye
Hectonichus,Robert Flogaus-Faust,Krzysztof Golik (www.wikidata.org),Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble (www.flickr.com),Meneerke bloem,Daniel Ballmer,Daniel Ballmer,Rikki Mitterer,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Meneerke bloem,Krzysztof Golik (www.wikidata.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lotus
- Species:
- Lotus alpinus
- USDA Symbol:
- LOAL9
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hitched Arch (Melanchra adjuncta), Sparganothis xanthoides, Xenotemna pallorana
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine regions with sparse vegetation
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Cold stratification beneficial but not always required.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.