Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil
ExplorePlants
Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil
hosackia oblongifolia
Streambank Bird's-Foot Trefoil (Hosackia oblongifolia) is a charming perennial herb native to western North America, recognized for its vibrant yellow flowers and its preference for moist, riparian habitats. This member of the pea family (Fabaceae) plays a crucial ecological role by enriching the soil through nitrogen fixation, a process carried out by symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules. Its presence often indicates a healthy wetland or streamside ecosystem, providing both visual beauty and essential ecological services, supporting local biodiversity through its nectar production.
Habitat: Found along streambanks, in moist meadows, open slopes, seeps, and under the dappled shade of wet coniferous forests, thriving in consistently damp soil conditions.
Appearance
This herbaceous perennial typically grows 20-60 cm tall, forming erect to sprawling stems. Its foliage consists of pinnately compound leaves, each with multiple oblong to elliptic leaflets arranged alternately along the stem. The most striking feature is its inflorescence: clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers, often tinged with reddish-brown veins, arranged in umbrella-shaped umbels atop slender stalks. The flowers eventually give way to slender, elongated seed pods that mature to a dark color.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusHosackia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
As a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), it significantly enriches soil health by hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for itself and neighboring plants.
Its common name, 'Bird's-Foot Trefoil,' refers to the arrangement of its slender seed pods, which can resemble a bird's foot with outstretched toes.
The genus 'Hosackia' is named after David Hosack, a prominent American botanist and physician who was instrumental in establishing botanical gardens and medical education in the early 19th century.
While some related Bird's-Foot Trefoil species are cultivated for forage or cover crops, Hosackia oblongifolia primarily exists as a wild species, playing an important role in natural riparian ecosystems.
Special abilities
Ability
Nitrogen Fixation
Symbiotic bacteria (Rhizobia) in its root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, enriching the surrounding soil for itself and other plants in the ecosystem.
Ability
Moisture Adaptation
Equipped with root systems and physiological traits that allow it to tolerate and thrive in saturated soils typical of its streambank and wet meadow habitats, making it resilient to fluctuating water levels.
Ability
Pollinator Attraction
Its bright yellow, nectar-rich, pea-like flowers are specifically adapted in shape and color to attract a variety of insect pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, ensuring effective reproduction.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-60 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-10 years
- Clutch Size
- 10-50
Diet & Feeding
As an autotrophic plant, Streambank Bird's-Foot Trefoil produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water and mineral nutrients absorbed from the soil.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water
- Nitrogen Compounds
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
Bumble Bee
Bombus spp.
Pollinates flowers while collecting nectar, aiding in the plant's reproduction.
mutualism
Rhizobium Bacteria
Rhizobium spp.
Forms a symbiotic relationship in root nodules to fix atmospheric nitrogen, providing essential nutrients.
eaten by
Black-tailed Deer
Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Grazes on foliage and tender shoots, impacting plant growth but typically not causing severe harm.
mutualism
Western Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus
Adult butterflies feed on the nectar from the flowers, contributing to pollination.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil?
The easiest way to identify Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil?
20-60 cm
How much does Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
How long does Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil live?
2-10 years
What does Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil eat?
As an autotrophic plant, Streambank Bird's-Foot Trefoil produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water and mineral nutrients absorbed from the soil.
Where is Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil usually found?
Found along streambanks, in moist meadows, open slopes, seeps, and under the dappled shade of wet coniferous forests, thriving in consistently damp soil conditions.
How does Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil hunt?
Photosynthesis
How many eggs does Streambank Bird'S-Foot Trefoil lay?
10-50
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