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Scientific name:	Lotus corniculatus
Cultivars:	Maitland, Viking (Upright) Dawn, Empire (Postrate)
Origin:	Eurasia/North Africa
Growth Habit:	Upright or Prostrate
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Use
Production:	2 to 3 tons DM/acre
Nutritive Value:	Non bloating legume High digestibility and protein (CP) Unpalatable to horses
Herbaria Image:	Click this link
Identification
Seed Head:	Umbel, cluster of bright yellow flowers
Seed:	Five to six pods in cluster that looks like a bird's foot. 10-15 seeds/pod, round to kidney shaped, 0.05" wide, dark brown Inoculate with proper N-fixing bacteria type (if seed is not coated or pre-inoculated).
Shoot:	2-3 inches, slim branches with moderate amount of leaves
Leaf:	Compound, 5 leafets, smooth
Adaptation
Soil:	Tolerates low fertility and low drainage
pH:	6.0 to 6.8, tolerates mild alkalinity or acidity
Moisture:	Requires 20+ inches rainfall/yr Tolerates poorly drained soils
Temperature:	Winter hardiness is moderate to high depending on cultivar
Other:	Requires 16-hr day length to initiate flowering
Establishment - Management
Seeding rate:	8 lbs/acre (alone), 4 to 6 lb/acre (mixes) Expected plants/sq ft: 6 to 9 (in 2nd year) Can be seeded with companion crop (oats) at 1to 1.5 bu/acre, and remove companion crop at boot stage
Seed cost:	$4/lb, ~$200/50 lb $32/acre (alone); $16 to 24/acre (mixes)
Planting date:	Early spring when soil temperatures reach 50°F, can also be planted in late summer slow to establish
Planting depth:	1/4inch drilled must have smooth seedbed
Frost seeding:	Intermediate
Fertilization:	Annual Phosphorus following soil test.
Grazing:	Leave 4" stubble between grazings. First grazing should occur after 8" growth. Cannot tolerate close grazings.
Hay:	Leave 4-6" stubble for good regrowth. Should be given rest period every couple of years.
Notes
Does not bloat Invasive species in Minnesota