No, It’s Not Clover. Learn Why “Nature’s Skittles” Are So Treasured
If you’ve ever wandered through a meadow or your backyard and spotted small, colorful, jewel-like flowers dotting the greenery, you might have assumed they were just clover. But what if these vibrant blooms are actually something else—something often called “Nature’s Skittles”? These tiny, multi-colored flowers aren’t just pretty; they have unique qualities that make them beloved by gardeners, foragers, and nature lovers alike.
What Are “Nature’s Skittles”?
“Nature’s Skittles” is a playful nickname for the flowers of the common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). This plant often gets mistaken for clover because of its small compound leaves and its presence in grassy areas. But unlike clover’s mostly white or pink flowers, bird’s-foot trefoil blooms in bright yellows, oranges, and reds, resembling a scattering of colorful candy across a green lawn—hence the nickname.
Why Is It So Treasured?
A Pollinator’s Favorite
Bird’s-foot trefoil is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its rich nectar supports a wide range of insects, helping maintain healthy ecosystems. Gardeners love it for its ability to boost local biodiversity and attract beneficial insects.
Nitrogen Fixation Powerhouse
Like clover, bird’s-foot trefoil is a legume, meaning it forms a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil. This natural fertilizer improves soil fertility and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Erosion Control and Ground Cover
Its dense, spreading growth habit makes it excellent for stabilizing soil on slopes, preventing erosion, and providing ground cover in poor soils where other plants struggle.
Edible and Medicinal Uses
While not as commonly eaten as clover, bird’s-foot trefoil has been used traditionally in herbal remedies for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. Its flowers and leaves can also be foraged for teas.
Low Maintenance Beauty
It thrives in a variety of soil types and conditions, is drought tolerant, and rarely suffers from pests or diseases. This makes it a favorite for low-maintenance gardens and restoration projects.
How to Identify Bird’s-Foot Trefoil
Leaves: Usually five leaflets per leaf—three at the tip and two smaller ones at the base.
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