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Greater Bird’s Foot Trefoil
Lotus uliginosus/Lotus pedunculatus

Other Names:  Many local names for this plant including Marsh Bird's Foot Trefoil.
Distribution:  Common across UK in wet areas and bogs.
Habitat:  Native perennial of damp, grassy places. Does well on poor soils, but dislikes shade.
Description:  Medium height, scrambling plant which favours damper grasslands and bogs.  It is similar to the Lesser Bird's Foot Trefoil apart from its habitat and larger size.  The yellow pea-like flowers appear from May to September. 
Wildlife:  Food plant of the Five Spot Burnet Moth.

 Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  It may be beneficial to gently rub the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper to aid water absorption or pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water to aid germination.  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.