Would it be bad to introduce big trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) into my yard or garden? - Ask Extension
I found what Google Lens claims is a "big trefoil" while clearing out a weedy patch in my neighbor's yard. They insisted I pull it up, but I...
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Would it be bad to introduce big trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) into my yard or garden? #874544
Asked June 24, 2024, 10:07 PM EDT
I found what Google Lens claims is a "big trefoil" while clearing out a weedy patch in my neighbor's yard. They insisted I pull it up, but I think it looks nice! I looked into it and saw that it was listed as an invasive species for Oregon back in 2008, but most sources say it's a harmless plant from the legume family.
I saved some of the seed pods and am considering saving the seeds to plant around my pollinator garden next spring, or even using it as a nitrogen-fixing rotation crop for my annual beds. But it appears to be a long-lasting, self-seeding perennial: Is this a decision I'm going to terribly regret?
Thank you,
Bryan Lacie
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Bryan. I wish my knees and back could talk, because They are in great pain after having spent 3 days trying to eradicate it from my pollinator garden. While it has some good attributes (nice yellow flowers and legume nitrification), that doesn't mean it is valuable enough to invite home. I suggest that, if you like it, you grow it only in containers you can control, lest it attempt to control your garden. Good luck!
Oh, wow. I think I'll stick to other legumes and pollinators, then. Thank you for the advice!
-Bryan
Welcome!