bird's foot trefoil
Definition
Noun: 1. A low-growing, perennial leguminous plant (Lotus corniculatus) native to Europe and Asia, characterized by clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers and seed pods that spread out like a bird's foot. It is widely used as forage and for erosion control. 2. The common name for this plant, also known as "eggs and bacon" due to the sometimes reddish-tinted buds, or "birdfoot trefoil."
Examples of Usage
- The field was covered in the bright yellow blooms of bird's foot trefoil.
- Farmers value bird's foot trefoil as a hardy forage crop for livestock.
- The bird's foot trefoil is easily identified by its distinctive seed pods.
Advanced Usage
- As a botanical subject: In botanical texts, (bird's foot trefoil) is noted for its tolerance of poor soils and its role in nitrogen fixation.
- In horticulture: It is sometimes used in wildflower meadows and low-maintenance landscaping for its persistent ground cover and attractive flowers.
Variants and Related Words
- Birdfoot trefoil: A common alternate spelling and form of the name.
- Lotus corniculatus: The scientific Latin name for the plant.
- Eggs and bacon: A colloquial name for the same plant, referring to the color of its flower buds.
- Trefoil: A general term for any plant with leaves divided into three leaflets, which is a characteristic of this plant.
Synonyms
- Common bird's-foot trefoil
- Butter and eggs (a regional name, though this can also refer to other plants)
Notes on Meaning
The term specifically refers to the plant species Lotus corniculatus. The name is descriptive: "bird's foot" describes the arrangement of the seed pods, and "trefoil" (three-leaved) describes the leaf structure. It should not be confused with other plants simply called "trefoil."
Noun
-
European forage plant having claw-shaped pods introduced in America
-
Old World herb related to fenugreek
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