Tree Lucerne

chamaecytisus proliferus

Tree Lucerne, also known as Tagasaste, is a versatile and fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to the dry, volcanic slopes of the Canary Islands. Belonging to the legume family, this hardy plant is famous for its exceptional capacity to thrive in nutrient-poor, sandy soils and arid climates where other flora struggle. It is highly valued globally in agroforestry and permaculture as a living mulch, windbreak, and exceptionally nutritious stock fodder. Beyond its agricultural utility, Tree Lucerne is a vital ecological contributor. It bursts into a spectacular display of fragrant white flowers in late winter when few other plants are in bloom, providing an invaluable early nectar source for bees and birds. Its robust nature and ability to improve soil health make it an indispensable tool for land reclamation and erosion control.

Habitat: Typically thrives in dry, volcanic, sandy, or gravelly soils in temperate and Mediterranean-type climates, often colonizing disturbed hillsides, coastal cliffs, and agricultural borders.

Appearance

This small tree typically reaches heights of 3 to 7 meters, exhibiting a graceful, weeping growth habit with long, drooping branches. Its leaves are trifoliate, consisting of three dusty-green to grey-green leaflets that are smooth on top and velvety-fuzzy underneath. From late winter to early spring, the branches are heavily clustered with pea-like, creamy-white flowers that measure about 2 centimeters in length. These blossoms later develop into flat, velvety black seed pods containing small, hard seeds.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusChamaecytisus

Tree Lucerne

Interesting facts

Because of its deep taproots, Tree Lucerne can stay vibrantly green and continue growing during severe summer droughts without irrigation.

Its flowers bloom in the dead of winter, providing a critical lifesaver for honey bees when almost no other nectar sources are available.

The leaves of Tree Lucerne can contain up to 30% crude protein, making its nutritional profile comparable to premium alfalfa.

Special abilities

Formulates a symbiotic relationship with beneficial soil bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, significantly enriching the surrounding soil.

Features an extremely deep taproot system reaching up to 10 meters deep, allowing it to access subterranean water and survive intense droughts.

Possesses a highly resilient root system that allows the plant to quickly regenerate foliage after heavy grazing or pruning.

Measurements & details

Length: 300-700 cm
Lifespan: 20-40 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic legume, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis while utilizing specialized root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nutrients.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Atmospheric Nitrogen

Ecological connections

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Feeds on the nectar and pollen of the winter-blooming flowers, acting as a primary pollinator.

eaten by

New Zealand Pigeon

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Relies heavily on the evergreen foliage, shoots, and flowers as a vital winter food source when other food is scarce.

eaten by

Sheep

Ovis aries

Grazes on the high-protein leaves and twigs, utilizing it as an essential fodder crop in dryland farming.

Traits

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Tree Lucerne?

The easiest way to identify Tree Lucerne is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Tree Lucerne?

300-700 cm

How long does Tree Lucerne live?

20-40 years

What does Tree Lucerne eat?

As a photoautotrophic legume, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis while utilizing specialized root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nutrients.

Where is Tree Lucerne usually found?

Typically thrives in dry, volcanic, sandy, or gravelly soils in temperate and Mediterranean-type climates, often colonizing disturbed hillsides, coastal cliffs, and agricultural borders.