Origin
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens, commonly known as the trailing bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial herb plant that belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). The species is native to North America, where it can be found extending from British Columbia and Alberta all the way down to California and Arizona.
Common Names
The common names for Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens vary regionally, some of the common names include; bird's-foot deervetch, birdfoot trefoil, trailing bird's-foot clover, creeping trefoil, and deervetch.
Uses
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens, aside from being ornamental, has several medicinal properties. It is used to boost the immune system, treat diarrhea, skin inflammation, and other ailments. It has also been used as a forage crop for livestock and as a groundcover plant to prevent soil erosion, stabilize slopes, and restore native habitats.
General Appearance
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens is a trailing, low-growing herb that develops vigorously branching stems. It has trifoliate leaves consisting of three leaflets with an oval shape, all arranged on a common stem. Each leaflet is around 0.5 inches in length and has a wedge-shaped base. The plants produce small, bright yellow or yellow-orange pea-like flowers that are around 0.5 inches wide and bloom from May to September. Each flower blooms for several days before it is replaced by a small brown pod containing the seeds.
Light Requirements
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens requires full sun to grow properly. The plant will thrive in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant grows poorly in shaded areas and may not survive.
Temperature Requirements
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens prefers warm weather conditions. The plant grows best when the temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C. The plant does not tolerate frost and cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant benefits from regular applications of fertilizer. Additionally, the plant can grow in wetland areas and shallow water bodies.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It is a shallow-rooted plant that prefers to grow in wet soil, but it can also tolerate dry conditions.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in a location with good drainage. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings.
If starting from seed, sow the seeds in a shallow tray filled with soil, adding a thin layer of sand on top. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) until germination occurs. Thin out the seedlings once they have grown to two inches tall.
Watering Needs
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens prefers to grow in wet soil, and therefore requires consistent watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. However, in periods of heavy rain or high humidity, reduce watering to prevent overwatering.
When growing the plant in a container, ensure that there are drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Check the soil regularly and water once the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize once a month, using half the recommended dosage for the specific fertilizer, to avoid over-fertilization.
When growing the plant in a container, use a slow-release fertilizer or dilute liquid fertilizer and apply according to the package instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's health and promote new growth. Prune regularly to keep the plant compact and to prevent overgrowth.
Trim yellow or dead leaves and stems to prevent the spread of disease. Remove any overcrowded stems to increase airflow and sunlight penetration.
Prune the plant at least once a year, preferably in early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to make a clean cut.
Propagation of Lotus procumbens var. procumbens
Lotus procumbens var. procumbens is commonly propagated through seeds or by vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Lotus procumbens var. procumbens can be easily collected from mature fruits and can be stored in a cool and dry place until sowing time. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in seed trays filled with a mixture of sand and peat. The seedlings start to emerge within 7 to 10 days of sowing. The seedlings can be transplanted into a suitable potting mix when they have grown 3 to 4 true leaves.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Lotus procumbens var. procumbens can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should have 2 to 3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted in a potting mix of sand and peat or perlite and kept in a mist chamber for a few weeks until the roots develop. After the roots are well established, the plantlets can be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Lotus procumbens var. procumbens. This method involves bending a healthy stem and burying it in the soil without detaching it from the parent plant. The portion of the stem that is buried in the soil will develop roots and will grow into a new plant. After the roots are established, the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into a suitable container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens
Lotus procumbens (Greene) Greene var. procumbens is a tough plant that has few pests and disease problems. However, like all plants, it can still be affected by a few diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed early. Here are some of the common diseases and pests of Lotus procumbens and how you can manage them:
Diseases
Lotus procumbens is relatively resistant to most diseases, but some of the common diseases you might encounter include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora and can be identified by the plant becoming wilted or yellowed. The best way to manage this disease is by removing any infected plants and avoid overwatering your Lotus procumbens.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is easily identifiable on your plant as it will have a powdery white substance on the leaves. It can be caused by a few different fungi and can be managed using fungicides and by watering your Lotus procumbens in the morning, so it has time to dry during the day.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of your Lotus procumbens and causes circular, brown lesions on the leaves. To control this disease, remove any infected leaves and spray with a fungicide.
Pests
Lotus procumbens is relatively resistant to most pests, but some of the common pests you might encounter include mites, aphids, and thrips.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of your Lotus procumbens and can cause discoloration and leaf drop. To manage mites, spray your plant with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray.
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of your Lotus procumbens, and their waste creates a sticky residue on the leaves. To control aphids, spray your plant with a strong burst of water or use neem oil spray. Ladybugs are also natural predators of aphids and can help control their population.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of your Lotus procumbens and can cause damage to the plant's overall growth. To control thrips, remove any infected parts of the plant and use a neem oil spray.
With proper care and attention, you can manage the few diseases and pests that might affect your Lotus procumbens and ensure a healthy, thriving plant.
