Lotus corniculatus
Bird's-foot trefoil
Lotus corniculatus, commonly known as bird's-foot trefoil, is a versatile perennial legume found across much of the temperate world. Renowned for its vibrant yellow blooms and ability to fix nitrogen, this resilient plant plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and supporting diverse local ecosystems and pollinators.
- Scientific name: Lotus corniculatus
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Lotus corniculatus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the Fabaceae family and is specifically categorized under the genus Lotus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lotus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Lotus corniculatus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In China, it is referred to as 百脉根 (bǎimàigēn), while in Poland, it is called komonica zwyczajna. Russian speakers know it as лядвенец рогатый, and in France, it goes by the name Lotier corniculé. Additionally, in Turkey, the plant is commonly called Gazelboynuzu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 百脉根 | Wikidata |
| pl | komonica zwyczajna | Wikidata |
| ru | лядвенец рогатый | Wikidata |
| fr | Lotier corniculé | Wikidata |
| tr | Gazelboynuzu | Wikidata |
| frr | Henk an höön | Wikidata |
| fi | keltamaite | Wikidata |
| et | harilik nõiahammas | Wikidata |
| cy | Pys y ceirw | Wikidata |
| nn | Tiriltunge | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the islands of Føroyaar and Iceland. The species is also documented within the territory of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight its preference for northern maritime and continental climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Lotus corniculatus, is a perennial herb characterized by its distinct botanical structure, though much of its medicinal value and biological stability is anchored in its underground components. The roots of this species are typically slender and taproot-like, extending into the soil to provide essential stability and facilitate the absorption of nutrients and water. These roots play a vital role in the plant's ability to thrive in various habitats, ensuring the continuous growth of its yellow-flowered stems and trifoliate leaves.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Lotus corniculatus has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include condensed tannins, condensed tannin, (-)-vestitol, 8-hydroxykaempferol, 8-hydroxyquercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| condensed tannins | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-vestitol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 8-hydroxykaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 8-hydroxyquercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 8-methoxyflavonol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CTs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Linoleamide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| PA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lotus corniculatus has 6 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antiprotozoal, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiprotozoal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Immunostimulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lotus corniculatus has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidepressant, antidiabetic, breast cancer, diuretic, eczema.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eczema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sedative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |