Bloomipedia
Greater bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus)
Photo: giantcicada via iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 · resized

Flower profile

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil

Lotus pedunculatus

Introduced in the lower 48

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil is a wildflower that USDA PLANTS lists as introduced in the lower 48 states. In Washington it's most often seen in bloom in June–August.

7states
2,242WA sightings*
3,951U.S. sightings*

*iNaturalist research-grade observations, as of October 17, 2026.

On our lists for: Washington

Quick look

Lotus pedunculatus, the big trefoil, greater bird's-foot-trefoil or marsh bird's-foot trefoil, is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae).

  • It belongs to the Fabaceae family. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS describes it as an herb (forb) with a perennial life cycle. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists it as introduced in the lower 48 states and records it in 7 states. USDA PLANTS
  • In Washington, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in June–August. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS lists its flower color as yellow. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS gives its bloom period as late spring. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists a mature height of about 8 ft. USDA PLANTS
  • iNaturalist has 2,242 research-grade sightings of it in Washington, ranking #82 among the 110 flowers on our Washington list. iNaturalist

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil gift ideas

Handmade greater bird's-foot-trefoil gifts from independent makers.

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When does it bloom?

In Washington, most flowering sightings come in June–August.

Flowering records by month in Washington (iNaturalist research-grade observations marked “Flowering”) (415 records)

Conservation status

Federal (U.S. ESA)
Not listed No U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in the USFWS ECOS database. USFWS ECOS
NatureServe
Unknown We couldn't find this name in NatureServe Explorer. NatureServe
Washington
No list Washington has no state law listing endangered or threatened plants (the Washington Natural Heritage Program's rare plant list isn't regulatory), so we show NatureServe's Washington ranks instead.

Checked October 17, 2026. Rankings and lists can change, so follow the links for the latest.

Can you eat it?

For peopleNot well documented

None of the sources we checked (NC State Extension (no page for this plant), USDA PLANTS) say whether it's edible or poisonous for people.

For petsNot well documented

It isn't on the ASPCA plant list.

🌿 Never eat a wild plant unless you're certain of its ID; this isn't medical advice. Worried about a person? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Worried about a pet? Call your vet.

Where does it grow?

USDA PLANTS records greater bird's-foot-trefoil in 7 states.

recorded by USDA PLANTS on our state lists not recorded

See the full list of states

California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Washington.

Washington counties with USDA records: Snohomish.

More Washington flowers

White clover (Trifolium repens)

White clover

Trifolium repens

Introduced

🌼 Blooms in WA: May–September
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover

Trifolium pratense

★ VT state flowerIntroduced

🌼 Blooms in WA: May–October
Broad-leaved sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius)

Broad-leaved sweet pea

Lathyrus latifolius

Introduced

🌼 Blooms in WA: June–September

Sources