★ Non-Bloating Legume
Best Birdsfoot Trefoil Seed: The Only Common Legume That Never Causes Bloat in Livestock
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
"The no-bloat legume. Birdsfoot Trefoil's condensed tannins bind forage proteins in the rumen, preventing the foam formation that causes fatal bloat in cattle on clover and alfalfa. Graze it pure without fear."
First emergence: 7-14
Establishment
Zones 3-7
Hardiness Range
Low (once established—the establishment phase is the challenge)
Maintenance
Legume
Category
Zero Bloat Risk
N Fixation
Wet Soil Tolerant
Long-Lived
Erosion Control
Wildlife Value
Spring or Fall Planting
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
| Species | Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) |
| Growth Habit | Perennial. Semi-prostrate to upright (12-24 inches). Deep taproot (3-4 feet). Does not spread via stolons but self-seeds |
| Root Depth | 3-4 feet taproot (one of the deepest legume taproots after alfalfa and sweet clover) |
| Establishment | First emergence: 7-14 days. Slow establishment: 3-6 months for functional stand. Full production: year two. Stand life: |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-7 |
| Maintenance | Low (once established—the establishment phase is the challenge) |
| Category | Legume |
| Available Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb |
What We Love
- Zero bloat risk — only common legume safe for pure-stand grazing
- Deep 3-4 foot taproot for erosion control and mineral mining
- 5-10+ year persistence
- Tolerates wet, poorly drained soils
- Fixes 50-150 lbs N per acre
Worth Noting
- VERY slow establishment — slowest common legume
- Doesn't compete well with aggressive grasses — needs managed grazing
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Outsidepride
99%/90%, Nitro-Coat
Purity / Germ
Sizes1 lb
Price$14.99
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Merchandise
98%/75%, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes3, 5 lb
Price$46.96
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Hancock Seed
99%/85%, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$325.00
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Welter Seed
99.5%/90%, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$245.00
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by Deer Creek Seed
98%/80%, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes5 lb
Price$42.50
Perennial Grazer
by Real World
Mix, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes10 lb
Price$58.00
Pure Trefoil
by Barenbrug
Forage Grade, Coated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5 lb
Price$39.00
Destination Mix
by Whitetail Inst.
Mix, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes9 lb
Price$45.99
Upland Forage
by Real World
Mix, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes10 lb
Price$65.00
Birdsfoot Trefoil
by DLF Pickseed
99%/90%, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$285.00
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Birdsfoot Trefoil | Birdsfoot Trefoil | Birdsfoot Trefoil | Birdsfoot Trefoil | Birdsfoot Trefoil | Birdsfoot Trefoil | Perennial Grazer | Pure Trefoil | Destination Mix | Upland Forage | Birdsfoot Trefoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Germ | 99%/90%, Nitro-Coat | 98%/75%, Raw | 99%/85%, Inoculated | 99.5%/90%, Raw | 98%/80%, Raw | Mix, Inoculated | Forage Grade, Coated | Mix, Inoculated | Mix, Raw | 99%/90%, Raw | |
| Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb | 1 lb | 3, 5 lb | 5, 50 lb | 50 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 5 lb | 9 lb | 10 lb | 50 lb |
| Price | $14.99 | $46.96 | $325.00 | $245.00 | $42.50 | $58.00 | $39.00 | $45.99 | $65.00 | $285.00 | |
| Brand | Old Cobblers Farm | Outsidepride | Merchandise | Hancock Seed | Welter Seed | Deer Creek Seed | Real World | Barenbrug | Whitetail Inst. | Real World | DLF Pickseed |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long does it take for the seed to germinate?
Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions with consistent moisture and temperatures between 60-75°F.
-
What is the best time of year to plant this grass seed?
The ideal planting times are early fall (late August to mid-October) or spring (mid-April to early June) when soil temperatures are favorable for germination.
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What do the numbers on the seed tag mean?
The seed tag shows purity percentage (amount of pure seed), germination rate (percentage that will sprout), weed seed content, and other crop or inert matter. Higher purity and germination percentages indicate better quality seed.
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What is the recommended seeding rate per 1,000 square feet?
For new lawns, apply 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For overseeding existing lawns, use 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
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Is it better to use a single species or a seed mix?
A single species like Kentucky Bluegrass provides uniformity in color and texture, while a mix offers better disease resistance and adaptability to varying conditions. Your choice depends on your priorities for appearance versus resilience.
