Is birdsfoot trefoil poisonous?

After some intensive googling, I found one of my favorite descriptions of its edibility: “Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lotus corniculatus, is a member of the Pea Family and has been considered both edible and medicinal but be aware that all parts of this plant are poisonous.” (cargocultcafe.com).

Is birdsfoot trefoil good for wildlife?

Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial that adapts well to production on poorly drained, low-pH soils (Table 1). It can reseed itself, is resistant to Phytophthora root rot and numerous alfalfa insects, responds well to fertilization, and does not cause bloat in animals.

What is Birdsfoot trefoil used for?

Forage: Birdsfoot trefoil is used as a high quality, non-bloating legume for pastures, hay and stock-piling. Erosion control: Birdsfoot trefoil is often used for mine reclamation and other sites with marginal soils. Wildlife: Birdsfoot trefoil is used in wildlife mixes and is an excellent food source for deer.

Is Birdsfoot trefoil poisonous to horses?

Though palatable to most livestock, birdsfoot trefoil contains tannins, which are bitter, so some horses find it objectionable. Although horses are less susceptible to cyanide poisoning than cattle and other ruminants, a variety of birdsfoot trefoil that does not produce prussic acid should be sown in horse pastures.

What does a trefoil symbolize?

A trefoil is commonly thought of as a symbol of three intersecting circles, such as the bio-hazard symbol. The trefoil comes from the Latin trifolium, meaning ‘three-leaved plant’. The symbolism of three fits with Christian imagery associated with the Trinity: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Do horses like Trefoil?

Though palatable to most livestock, birdsfoot trefoil contains tannins, which are bitter, so some horses find it objectionable. Horses that are familiar with birdsfoot trefoil graze it like other pasture grasses but may avoid it if alternate forage is available.

Is birdsfoot trefoil easy to grow?

Birdsfoot Trefoil ( Lotus Corniculatus) This a low growing plant. It has bright Yellow Flowers which generally flower during May and June. Birdsfoot trefoil is a very adaptable plant and will be found growing wild in most habitats. It does particularly well on chalk pasture if the grass is short and fine.

What is birdsfoot trefoil?

What is Birdsfoot Trefoil? Birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus) is a plant with several agricultural uses. At least 25 varieties are available. Buying seeds from a local supplier ensures that you get a good variety for your area. For farmers, birdsfoot trefoil uses include: Home gardeners grow birdsfoot trefoil as a cover crop.

Will birdsfoot trefoil grow in Missouri?

Birdsfoot trefoil is a long-lived perennial legume ideally suited for many grass-legume pastures in Missouri. It grows and produces forage during July and August when most cool-season grasses are semi-dormant.

How many seeds are in a bird foot trefoil pod?

Birdsfoot trefoil blooms through most of the summer, from May through August. One-inch long seedpods grow in clusters, resembling a bird’s foot. Pods are brown to black, rounded, and about one inch long. Each pod contains up to 25 seeds.

Will clopyralid kill birdsfoot trefoil?

Unfortunately, this will be stressful to native plants as well as birdsfoot trefoil. Herbicide control can be done by spot-spraying affected areas (after re-greening from a prescribed burn or mowing) with clopyralid (e.g., Transline). This selective herbicide also affects native plants of the sunflower and pea families.