Sea Bird's-foot Trefoil

lotus maritimus

Also known as: ["Bird's-foot Trefoil","Sea Trefoil"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Lotus Category: Flowers

Overview

A coastal perennial herbaceous plant with yellow flowers, adapted to saline environments.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Lotus
Botanical Name: Lotus maritimus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens or containers near the sea
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to partial shade during intense summer months.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to stronger light to prevent scorching; provide dappled shade outdoors and rotate indoor plants for even growth.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid direct midday sun; use sheer curtains for filtered light; rotate plant weekly.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

sandy, loamy soil with good drainage

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy.

Avoid drafts; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust care based on seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting, apply hormone (if used), plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective cutting of stems just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the container to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the foliage; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the soil surface feels dry to the touch; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows metabolic processes, causing root damage and reduced nutrient uptake in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, and avoid watering until temperatures rise.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may stagnate due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently during heatwaves.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth stage, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; cease in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lotus maritimus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, water stress, or infection by pathogens like phytoplasmas or viruses, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Lotus maritimus is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient water uptake from the roots or excessive transpiration, which can be exacerbated by root rot or vascular diseases.

Leaf spots on Lotus maritimus are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, such as Cercospora or Xanthomonas, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting in Lotus maritimus, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by waterlogged conditions and fungal pathogens like Fusarium or Pythium, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lotus maritimus is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary when cats are exposed to Lotus maritimus.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lotus maritimus is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary when dogs are exposed to Lotus maritimus.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lotus maritimus is not known to exhibit any toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary when handling or consuming Lotus maritimus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lotus maritimus suitable for coastal gardens?

A: Yes, it is highly adapted to saline and coastal environments.

Q: Does Lotus maritimus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: Is Lotus maritimus toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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