Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Bird's-foot Trefoil is one of the most important wildflowers of the Sefton Coast dune grassland — a key nectar and pollen source for bumblebees, solitary bees, Six-spot Burnet Moths and Common Blue butterflies (whose larvae feed on it). The yellow-and-orange flowers form small clusters, and the ripe seed pods splay out like a bird's foot, giving the plant its name. Known as 'eggs and bacon' from the yellow and orange combination. One of the first flowers to bloom on new dune grassland.
At a Glance
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Habitat | Fixed dune grassland · Semi-fixed dune · Calcareous grassland |
| UK population | Very common throughout Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant on dune grassland throughout the Sefton Coast; one of the key insect plants |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Fixed and semi-fixed dune grassland throughout the Sefton Coast. One of the most abundant wildflowers.
Identification
Low-growing, trailing plant. Trifoliate leaves with two extra leaflets at base. Yellow pea-flowers with orange-red streaking. Seed pods splay like a bird's foot. Widespread on short grassland.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Present everywhere on dune grassland from May. Watch it for bees, Six-spot Burnet Moths and Common Blues — it's the hub of the dune grassland insect community.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bird's-foot Trefoil so important for the Common Blue butterfly?
Bird's-foot Trefoil is the primary larval foodplant of the Common Blue butterfly on the Sefton Coast dunes. Wherever this plant grows in good quantity, Common Blue populations flourish. The plant also provides nectar for adult butterflies, making it doubly important. Managing dune grassland to maintain Bird's-foot Trefoil directly supports Common Blue populations.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.