Contents
Description
Ornithopus Compressus, also known as yellow bird’s-foot or bird’s-foot trefoil, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is a perennial plant that is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered an invasive species in some areas. The plant has bright yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer and attracts bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Ornithopus |
Appearance
The Ornithopus Compressus plant grows up to 50 centimeters tall and forms a clump of stems that are covered in small, clover-like leaves. The flowers are bright yellow and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers are followed by small, brown pods that contain the seeds.
Care Guide
Ornithopus Compressus plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your plant:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ornithopus Compressus plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can sometimes be affected by root rot or leaf spot. To prevent these issues, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering the plant.
Habitat
Ornithopus Compressus plants are native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ornithopus Compressus a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright yellow flowers of Ornithopus Compressus are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Ornithopus Compressus tolerate drought?
A: While the plant prefers moist soil, it can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: Is Ornithopus Compressus a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, the plant has a dense root system that can help prevent soil erosion.
Q: Can Ornithopus Compressus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Ornithopus Compressus:- Trifolium pratense (red clover)- Lotus corniculatus (bird’s-foot trefoil)- Medicago sativa (alfalfa)- Melilotus officinalis (yellow sweet clover)
References
– “Ornithopus compressus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282345.- “Ornithopus compressus.” PlantNet. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/infos/Ornithopus-compressus.html.- “Bird’s-foot trefoil (Ornithopus compressus).” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/birdsfoottrefoil.html.
