Lotus hirsutus

Lotus hirsutus, also known by the synonym Dorycnium hirsutum,[1] common name: canary clover[2] or hairy canary-clover,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae.[1]

Lotus hirsutus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Lotus
Species:
L. hirsutus
Binomial name
Lotus hirsutus
Synonyms[1]
  • Bonjeanea hirsuta (L.) Rchb.
  • Bonjeanea hirta Jord. & Fourr.
  • Bonjeanea venusta Jord. & Fourr.
  • Dorycnium hirsutum (L.) Ser.
  • Lotus candidus Mill.
  • Lotus pilosus Medik.

Description

It is a low-growing, domed semi-evergreen subshrub, reaching on average 20–50 centimetres (7.9–19.7 in) in height. Its habit is erect, green, hairy and branched. The silver leaves are sessile, alternate and quite fuzzy. The flowers are white veined pinkish-red, in terminal umbels composed of four to ten flowers. The flowering period extends from May through July. The fruits are cylindrical reddish brown seed pods.[4]

Distribution

This plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal to Turkey and south to northern Africa.[1]

Habitat

The typical habitat of this sub-shrub is grassland, in well-drained soil. Plants can be found at an altitude of 0–1,500 metres (0–4,921 ft).

Cultivation

This plant is found in cultivation. Though hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F), it requires a sheltered spot in full sun. In the United Kingdom it has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5]

  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flower
  • Leaves

References
  1. "Lotus hirsutus L.", Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2018-10-04
  2. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-01-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  3. "Dorycnium hirsutum". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  4. "RHS Plantfinder - Lotus hirsutus". Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  5. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 62. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  • Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia - Edagricole – 1982. vol. III
  • Tutin, T. G., eds. 1964 -1980 - Flora europaea


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