Slender Bird's-Foot Trefoil

Lotus angustissimus

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, Canary Is., China, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Madeira, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lotus
Species:
Lotus angustissimus
USDA Symbol:
LOAN2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

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

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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, 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 Mediterranean regions; prefers open, sunny habitats