Narrowleaf Trefoil
Lotus tenuis
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lotus
- Species:
- Lotus tenuis
- USDA Symbol:
- LOTE4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
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
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Hard seed coat requires scarification for best germination. Seeds may remain viable in soil for many years.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI