Bird's-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus)

Bird's-foot

Ornithopus perpusillus

Delicate, low-growing ground cover with tiny clustered flowers. Annual herbaceous plant; common name: Bird's-foot.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates poor, dry soils and coastal exposure
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells to avoid root rot
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Temperature Hardy to light frost; thrives in cool to temperate conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 5–15 small, oval leaflets, bright green
  • Flower: Tiny pea-like flowers, pale pink to white, clustered in axillary racemes
  • Stem: Slender, prostrate to ascending stems, branching freely
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Care Guide

Watering

Water sparingly only during extreme dry periods

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed; optional diluted feed once monthly if soil is very poor. Excess fertilizer can reduce flowering and encourage leggy growth

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder, sprinkle lightly on soil surface; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent burn
Pruning
  • Trim back spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding if desired
  • Remove dead foliage after flowering to maintain tidy appearance
  • No heavy pruning needed; plant is low-growing and self-contained
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: Non-toxic to cats per ASPCA guidelines

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover for rock gardens, wildflower mixes; supports pollinators like bees