ENGLISH NAME: Bird’s-foot trefoil
LATIN NAME: Lotus corniculatus
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Štírovník růžkatý
Turkey: Kuş ayağı yoncası / Kuş pençesi
Bulgaria: Обикновензвездан
Georgia: ფრინველისფეხა სამყურა (Prinvelispekha samkura)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Vysočina Highlands (Czechia), Central Anatolia and Marmara region (Turkey), Balkan foothills and Thracian Plain (Bulgaria), Kartli and Javakheti (Georgia)
Elevation: 100–1800 meters
Terrain: Meadows, grasslands, roadsides, dry hills, and forest clearings
DESCRIPTION:
A low-growing, perennial legume with sprawling stems, trifoliate leaves, and clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers that often have reddish tinges. The name “bird’s-foot” refers to the seed pods, which radiate like a bird’s foot. It is important as a forage plant and a nitrogen fixer in soils.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts – flowers and leaves
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a mild sedative, antispasmodic, and nervine. Helpful in cases of insomnia, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Also used in folk medicine to support digestion and relieve mild pain.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Generally safe in moderate amounts. Some wild varieties contain cyanogenic glycosides—do not consume in large quantities or over extended periods without proper knowledge. Avoid in pregnancy unless advised by a qualified herbalist.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be combined with valerian, lemon balm, or hawthorn for calming herbal blends. Occasionally used with chamomile or linden in sleep teas.
PREPARATION:
Used as an infusion from dried aerial parts. Flowers and leaves can be steeped to make a mild tea for calming the nerves or applied in compresses for minor skin conditions.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring through summer, during peak flowering (May–August)
HARVEST METHOD:
Harvest flowering tops and young leaves on a dry day. Use scissors or a sickle to avoid damaging the plant base.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry in thin layers in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Store in paper bags or airtight containers away from light and moisture. Best used within 12 months.
⚠️ Note: Though widely used and beneficial in small quantities, care should be taken due to the plant’s potential cyanogenic compounds. Always ensure correct identification and moderate use.