Lotus jacobaeus L.
Half-hardy, erect perennial with pinnate leaves, composed of 5 linear leaflets, to 4cm long, and axillary clusters of pea-like, chocolate to purple-brown flowers plus some yellow on the same plant, mainly in summer. To 90cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This species of Lotus has been called black-flower’d, not that the flowers are absolutely black, for they are of a very rich brown inclined to purple, but because they appear so at a little distance; the light colour of the foliage contributes not a little to this appearance. […] It continues to flower during the whole of the summer; as it is very apt to die off without any apparent cause, care should be taken to have a succession of plants from seeds, if possible.’ [BM t.79/1789]. Introduced to Britain in 1714. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.650/1857].
Notes
Published Dec 23, 2009 - 03:41 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:27 PM
Lotus jacobaeus L. | BM t.79/1789 | BHL
| Family | Fabaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Cape Verde Islands |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | St James trefoil |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Lotus Jacobaeus |
| Confidence level | high |