Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Other common names
birdsfoot deervetch
cat's clover
ground honeysuckle
crowtoes
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3 to 18 inches
Riparian
Yes
Generally a sprawling, prostrate plant with ascending stem tips.
Stipules green and leaf-like, nearly as large as and resembling the leaflets. Stems which trail on the ground will take root.
Habitat
Prefers meadows and wet areas.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
9600
Flower Characteristics
5 yellow petals with the central 3 held conspicuously above the others. The flower becomes red-tinged with age.
Flower color
Yellow to red-tinged
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
3 trifoliate leaves are grouped at the tip of the leafstalk and 2 more at the junction of the leafstalk and the stem. Stems which trail on the ground will take root.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is a slender green pod with purple stripe. It projects horizontally from the stem. There are 4 spreading pods which look like a bird track and give the plant its name.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Green
Seeds are a dark brown and have an indent on one side.