Trifolium ornithopodioides

(L.) Sm.

Bird Clover, Birdsfoot fenugreek, English fenugreek

Fabaceae Edible: Leaves 133 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd

Summary

Trifolium ornithopodioides, or the bird's foot clover, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, Madeira, and northwestern Africa, and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is a halophyte.

Description

A hairless short lived herb. The leaves are made up of 3 leaflets. They are 10 mm long. They are broadly wedge shaped. The flowers are creamy pink. They are in clusters on short stalks. They are in the axils of leaves.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. When dried, they take on a coumarin scent and have been suggested as a substitute for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

Traditional Uses

The dried leaves have been used as a substitute for fenugreek.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Africa, Australia, Britain, Europe, North Africa, Tasmania,

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water, then sow in spring in situ. If seed is scarce, sow in pots in a cold frame instead. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle, and plant out in late spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring.

Other Uses

Functions as a dynamic accumulator and nitrogen fixer.

Notes

There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.

Synonyms

See Trigonella

References (7)

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 111
Harris, S., Buchanan, A., Connolly, A., 2001, One Hundred Islands: The Flora of the Outer Furneaux. Tas Govt. p 241
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Cousens, R.D., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G., 1997, Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. Plant Protection Society of Western Australia. p 162
Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 452
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 7 references