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Description
Lotus Pedunculatus, commonly known as big trefoil or greater bird’s-foot trefoil, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and it has been naturalized in some parts of North America, South America, and Australia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lotus |
Appearance
The Lotus Pedunculatus plant can grow up to 60 cm tall, and it has a deep taproot system that can reach 1 m deep. The leaves are alternate and compound, with three leaflets that are oval-shaped and hairy. The flowers are yellow and arranged in clusters on long stems, and they bloom from June to September. The fruit is a small pod that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
The Lotus Pedunculatus plant is easy to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of soil types. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it can also tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: The Lotus Pedunculatus plant does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of nitrogen fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.
- Soil: This plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil that is not too acidic.
- Sunlight: The Lotus Pedunculatus plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lotus Pedunculatus plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common problems, such as:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Lotus Pedunculatus plant can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and roadsides. It prefers moist soil and full sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade. This plant is important for pollinators, as it provides a source of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lotus Pedunculatus a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, the deep taproot system of the Lotus Pedunculatus plant makes it a good choice for erosion control.
Q: Can Lotus Pedunculatus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lotus Pedunculatus can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the deep taproot system.
Q: Is Lotus Pedunculatus poisonous to humans or animals?
A: No, Lotus Pedunculatus is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Lotus Pedunculatus be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, Lotus Pedunculatus can be propagated by seeds in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Lotus Corniculatus
- Lotus Tenuis
- Lotus Glaber
References
- “Lotus pedunculatus.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LOPE4.
- “Lotus pedunculatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281911.
- “Lotus pedunculatus.” PlantNet. Accessed October 19, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/planthyphen/lotus-pedunculatus.
