Hosackia oblongifolia, synonym Lotus oblongifolius, is a species of legume native to western North America from Oregon to northern Mexico. It is known by the common name streambank bird's-foot trefoil or meadow lotus. It grows in moist to wet areas in several types of habitat. It is a spreading or upright perennial herb lined with leaves each made up of 3 elongated oval leaflets each up to 2.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence bears several yellow and white flowers between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The fruit is very elongated, reaching up to 5 centimeters in length but just a few millimeters in width. Plants with copper colored flowers have been separated by some sources as var. cupreus, the copper-flowered bird's-foot trefoil. They are found in the Sierra Nevada slopes of Tulare County, California.
How to keep Hosackia Oblongifolia.
Pruning
Streambank bird's-foot trefoil benefits from pruning in early spring. This process removes dead stems to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Be sure to cut back to healthy buds in order to preserve its form. Using clean, sharp tools is crucial to prevent infection and improve the plant's appearance and vigor throughout the growing season.
Botanical profile.
Other names.
