Edge/ Birdfoot Trefoil

COMMON NAME: Birdsfoot Trefoil

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Deer Vetch, Cat’s Clover, Lady’s Fingers-and-Thumbs, Devil’s Fingers,

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lotus corniculatus

FAMILY: Fabaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized, native of England and Europe

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 24 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late May to October, mostly in July

FRUITING TIME: Early July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Mostly in northern New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Taproot ~ Stems prostrate to suberect ~ Leaves toothed, elliptic to oblong ~ Flowers in umbrella-like head in groups of 4 to 8, bright yellow becoming orange with brick-red marks

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Fabaceae) commonly called the Pea or Bean Family consists of 459 genera and 14,400 species of herbs, shrubs, vines and trees found in temperate, cold and tropical regions.  The family is of major economic importance, providing edible beans and peas for animals, ornamentals, and dyes. The genus Lotus is from the Greek name lotos meaning “of several legumes” and the species corniculatus means “horned”. Birdsfoot Trefoil has over 70 names in the British Isles, many referring to the bunch of hooked pods, seen as a bird’s claw or the devil’s fingers or a witch’s toenail.  Or, in contrast, God-Almighty’s –Flower and Our-Lady’s-Fingers. Birdsfoot Trefoil was cultivated in the USA and escaped into disturbed habitats, frequently along road sides. Birdsfoot Trefoil provides good forage and wildlife food.  Both the foliage and seedpods are eaten. 

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.