Birdsfoot Trefoil
British native · Wildflower
Birdsfoot Trefoil is a low, spreading British native wildflower with clusters of bright yellow pea-shaped blooms, often marked with orange or red. It thrives in open grassland and dry banks, flowering for a long spell in summer. Its compact habit makes it ideal for meadow lawns, banks and sunny edges.
Why grow it
This modest-looking plant is a powerhouse for wildlife, particularly in smaller gardens where taller meadow flowers may be overwhelming. It helps create a colourful, low-growing sward, copes with poor soil and flowers generously. Birdsfoot Trefoil is an RHS Plants for Pollinators plant and is essential caterpillar food for the common blue butterfly.
How to grow it
Choose full sun and freely draining, low-fertility soil, especially sandy, gravelly or chalky ground. Birdsfoot Trefoil struggles in deeply shaded, wet or heavily fertilised places. Sow UK native-origin seed from autumn to spring onto bare soil, then firm it gently, or plant plugs 20 to 25 cm apart. Keep the site clear of dense grass until seedlings are established. Mow a meadow lawn lightly after flowering and remove clippings, leaving some patches uncut for longer.
Wildlife value
Flowers are visited by bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees, while hoverflies also feed there. Crucially, the foliage is used by common blue butterfly caterpillars, and may support other moth and butterfly larvae. Its low cover offers a sheltered layer for small invertebrates within a varied wildflower meadow.
Tips
Use it in a short-grass meadow rather than a rich border. It pairs well with selfheal, Yarrow and Oxeye Daisy, provided grasses are not dominant. Always buy UK native-origin seed or plants from reputable suppliers and never gather material from wild sites.
Growing Birdsfoot Trefoil: frequently asked questions
Why grow birdsfoot trefoil in a UK garden?
This modest-looking plant is a powerhouse for wildlife, particularly in smaller gardens where taller meadow flowers may be overwhelming.
How do I grow birdsfoot trefoil?
Choose full sun and freely draining, low-fertility soil, especially sandy, gravelly or chalky ground.
What wildlife does birdsfoot trefoil support?
Flowers are visited by bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees, while hoverflies also feed there.
Grow native plants of UK origin from reputable suppliers, never collected from the wild. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.