Contents
Description
Lotus Angustissimus, also known as Narrow-leaf bird’s-foot trefoil, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and woodland clearings. It has a long taproot that can reach up to 1 meter in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lotus |
Appearance
Lotus Angustissimus grows up to 30-60 cm tall, with a spread of 20-30 cm. It has narrow, oblong leaves that are dark green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers are bright yellow and bloom from May to July. They are clustered on top of the stems and have a pea-like shape. The seed pods are also pea-like and are curved, about 2-3 cm long.
Care Guide
Lotus Angustissimus is a low maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate dry conditions once it is established. Water regularly during the growing season.
- Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth.
- Soil: Lotus Angustissimus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lotus Angustissimus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to yellow and curl.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and may lead to defoliation.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots and can cause wilting and death of the plant.
Habitat
Lotus Angustissimus is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in meadows, grasslands, and woodland clearings. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is also commonly used in wildflower meadows and as a cover crop in agricultural fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lotus Angustissimus a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, Lotus Angustissimus is a great plant for pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Lotus Angustissimus tolerate drought?
A: While this plant prefers moist soil, it can tolerate dry conditions once it is established.
Q: How do I propagate Lotus Angustissimus?
A: You can propagate Lotus Angustissimus by seed or by division in the spring or fall.
Q: How do I prune Lotus Angustissimus?
A: This plant doesn’t require much pruning, but you can deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.
Related Plants
- Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s-foot trefoil)
- Lotus tenuis (Slender bird’s-foot trefoil)
- Lotus uliginosus (Greater bird’s-foot trefoil)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lotus angustissimus. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a860
- RHS. (n.d.). Lotus angustissimus. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10691/Lotus-angustissimus/Details
- USDA. (n.d.). Plants profile for Lotus angustissimus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LOAN3
