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Alternate Picture(s) |
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Birdsfoot trefoil
is a perennial weed, which has a low mat-forming growth habit. The
leaves of birdsfoot trefoil alternate on the stems, forming in a
trifoliolate pattern, but containing 2 leaf lets at the base of
the leaf. The leaves are oblanceolate shape and usually have smooth
edges. The stems of birdsfoot trefoil are square at the top and
round at the base. Birdsfoot trefoil has a tap root and develops
rhizomes and stolons.
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The flower
of birdsfoot trefoil is yellow and forms in the typical legume
shape. The plant flowers in late spring and blooms throughout
the summer. The seed pod is cylindrical and shaped like a
birds foot. Birdsfoot trefoil usually spreads by seed that
germinates in the spring, but can also spread by rhizomes
and stolons to form dense patches. The top of the plant browns
with frost in the fall and will die back to ground level.
Birdsfoot trefoil is often confused with large hop clover.
Birdsfoot
trefoil is found from Newfoundland and Minnesota south to
Virginia, west through Nebraska and Kansas.
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Cultural
Practices:
Birdsfoot trefoil is often used to stabilize soil or as a forage
crop, but it escapes onto roadsides, turf areas and waste sites.
It tolerates a wide range of soil types and moisture conditions.
It tolerates drought very well. It can be an indicator of low fertility.
Cultural control is best achieved by having a well fertilized actively
growing turf. This would include not allowing the turf to become
drought stressed.
Herbicide
Use:
For optimum control of birdsfoot trefoil, make your postemergent
herbicide application in the spring when plants are young and actively
growing. Very densely matted plants may require a repeat application.
University
Links | Gordon's
Recommendations | Germination
Dates
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