Lotus halophilus

Lotus halophilus

Native to:
Algeria, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Greece, Gulf States, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Tunisia, Türkiye

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lotus
Species:
Lotus halophilus
USDA Symbol:
LOHA6

Growth Characteristics

Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
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)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
saline, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.5 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in coastal or salt marsh environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seed coat is hard; scarification improves germination. May benefit from inoculation with Rhizobium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI