Ornithopus sativus
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (2) · bark (0) · habit (3) · other (1)

Ornithopus sativus

Serradella · French serradella · Pink-flower serradella · Common seradella · Common bird's-foot

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
16
Observations
125

Description

Source: leafsnap

Ornithopus sativus, the serradella or common birdsfoot, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southwestern Europe and Northwest Africa in Portugal, western Spain, northern Morocco and Algeria, and southwestern France and has been introduced as a legume forage to many locations around the world, including most of central and eastern Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, the Azores, South Africa, Kenya, Java, most of Australia, the North Island of New Zealand, southern Chile, and California. It is known for producing a high‑quality forage in highly acidic, nutrient‑poor soils.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Common bird's-foot flourishes in climates akin to the Mediterranean, which are characterized by wet winters and dry summers. Once it is established, this plant becomes drought-tolerant and needs only minimal watering. During its growing phase, irrigate the plant twice a week. It thrives best in full sun and requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

☀️ Light Full sun

Common bird's-foot comes from bright, open environments and thrives in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving nature.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Common bird's-foot can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, increase the risk of Common bird's-foot dying. In winter, shielding the plant from cold can raise its chances of survival.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Common bird's-foot benefits from regular, dilute fertilizer applications to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should feed Common bird's-foot roughly once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is vital for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Common bird's-foot thrive.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

To promote healthy growth, prune common bird's-foot from early to late spring by removing any dead or damaged stems. Make careful cuts close to the base to prevent disease and improve air circulation. Regular trimming helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor, aligning with its natural growth cycle for optimal health and blooming.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Ornithopus
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (6)

Common Names (8)

en Serradella
en French serradella
en Pink-flower serradella
en Common seradella
en Common bird's-foot
en Seradella
en Bird's foot
en Birdsfoot