Lotus corniculatus

Lotus corniculatus, commonly known as 'birds foot trefoil'. Despite being called Lotus, it has nothing to do with the spiritual lotus plants from the Nymphaeaceae family, and instead belongs to the Fabacea (Pea) family. This is evident in the familiar floral formation amongst the pea family. The ancient Greek meaning for lotus is "induced dreamy forgetfulness", which could be applied to its medicinal properties as a sedative, alleviating insomnia and anxiety. After flowering, three legume seed pods remain on the stalk, resembling the foot of a bird, hence the common name "birds foot" and also explaining "corniculatus", which means 'small horns'.

Birds foot trefoil can be found in grassland ,within wildflower meadows, and provides an abundance of nectar for pollinators. This is especially important for biodiversity improvement on farmland, hence their use in agricultural seed mixes for field margins.

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