Narrowleaf Trefoil

Lotus tenuis

Narrowleaf Trefoil

Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 16:12, 18 November 2006 (UTC)

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lotus
Species:
Lotus tenuis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Native Range

United States: California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Canada: British Columbia, Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Hitched Arch (Melanchra adjuncta), Sparganothis xanthoides, Xenotemna pallorana

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Bombus impatiens (Bombus impatiens), Bombus impatiens (Bombus impatiens), Bombus rufocinctus (Bombus rufocinctus), Bombus rufocinctus (Bombus rufocinctus)

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:
Tolerates saline conditions and periodic flooding