BIRD'S-FOOT TREFOIL

(Lotus corniculatus), perennial, spreading herbaceous plant, of the pea family (Fabaceae), native to Europe and Asia but introduced to other regions. Often used as forage for cattle, it is occasionally a troublesome weed. The stem grows to about 60 cm (2 feet) long. The leaves consist of three rather oval leaflets, broadest near the tip. The flowers, about 2 cm (0.8 inches) wide, are yellow, sometimes tinged with red, and grow in clusters of 5 to 10.