Riparian Ecosystem 15 - Birdsfoot Trefoil
The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve is located on Riverview Road, adjacent to the Mohawk River, east of the hamlet of Vischer Ferry in the southern part of Clifton Park.
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Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus is a common flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to grassland in temperate Eurasia and North Africa. Common names include Common Bird's-foot-trefoil and just Bird's-foot-trefoil, though the common name is often also applied to other members of the genus. It is also known in cultivation in North America as Birdfoot Deervetch.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, similar in appearance to some clovers. The flowers develop into small pea-like pods or legumes. The name 'bird's foot' refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. There are five leaflets, but with the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name trefoil. It is often used as forage and is widely used as food for livestock due to its non-bloating properties.
The height of the plant is variable, from 5–20 cm, occasionally more where supported by other plants; the stems can reach up to 50 cm long. It is typically sprawling at the height of the surrounding grassland. It can survive fairly close grazing, trampling and mowing. It is most often found in sandy soils. It Flowers from June until September.
The plant has had many common English names in Britain, which are now mostly out of use. These names were often connected with the yellow and orange colour of the flowers, e.g. 'butter and eggs'. One name that is still used is Eggs and Bacon (or Bacon and eggs). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_corniculatus
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Image by Photo George
copyrighted: 2015 GCheatle
all rights reserved
locator: GAC_0354_tonemapped
Riparian Ecosystem 15 - Birdsfoot Trefoil
The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve is located on Riverview Road, adjacent to the Mohawk River, east of the hamlet of Vischer Ferry in the southern part of Clifton Park.
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Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus is a common flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to grassland in temperate Eurasia and North Africa. Common names include Common Bird's-foot-trefoil and just Bird's-foot-trefoil, though the common name is often also applied to other members of the genus. It is also known in cultivation in North America as Birdfoot Deervetch.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, similar in appearance to some clovers. The flowers develop into small pea-like pods or legumes. The name 'bird's foot' refers to the appearance of the seed pods on their stalk. There are five leaflets, but with the central three held conspicuously above the others, hence the use of the name trefoil. It is often used as forage and is widely used as food for livestock due to its non-bloating properties.
The height of the plant is variable, from 5–20 cm, occasionally more where supported by other plants; the stems can reach up to 50 cm long. It is typically sprawling at the height of the surrounding grassland. It can survive fairly close grazing, trampling and mowing. It is most often found in sandy soils. It Flowers from June until September.
The plant has had many common English names in Britain, which are now mostly out of use. These names were often connected with the yellow and orange colour of the flowers, e.g. 'butter and eggs'. One name that is still used is Eggs and Bacon (or Bacon and eggs). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_corniculatus
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Image by Photo George
copyrighted: 2015 GCheatle
all rights reserved
locator: GAC_0354_tonemapped