In years past, it was often used in lawn seed mixtures. The plant has an upright spreading habit and grows about 2 feet tall. The dark green leaves appear to be composed of 5 leaflets. The compound leaves actually consist of 3 leaflets and 2 broad leaf-like stipules at the base of the leaf stalk. Plants produce small, pea-like flowers.
Flowers are bright yellow to deep orange and are sometimes tinged with red.
Flowers are borne in a cluster of 4 to 8 at the ends of stems. At maturity, the pods split and the halves twist, scattering the seeds. In lawns, mowers also help to scatter the seeds. Birds-foot trefoil is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalized in much of the United States. It tolerates compacted, infertile, and poorly-drained soils.