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 Bird’s Foot Trefoil 
 Lotus corniculatus

Other Names:  There are many local names for this plant including Bacon and Eggs, Tom Thumb, Lady’s Shoes and Stockings, Crow Toes, God Almighty’s Thumb and Finger.
Distribution:  Common across UK on grassland and roadside verges.
Habitat:  Grassland and bare ground; dry, alkaline soils; sunny sites.
Description:  Short, prostrate plant with yellow pea-like flowers (often tinged with red) from May to September. 
Wildlife:  Caterpillars of the Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Clouded Yellow, Wood White, Silver Studded Blue and Dingy Skipper butterflies feed on the plant.  Butterflies visit for the nectar.    

Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  For best results, pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in the spring or autumn either in trays in a cold frame or in the final flowering site.  The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 15°c. If planting in trays, prick the seedlings out when they are large enough to handle.  Plant them out in late spring or early summer.

 Our plants and seeds are of native origin.