Lotus dorycnium L.

Rarely grown, though in European cultivation for centuries, Lotus dorycnium is a variable western Mediterranean species which has a great deal in common with the well-known L. hirsutus (q.v.). L. dorycnium has distinctly smaller flowers, which are white rather than pink-tinged, and much smaller fruits with fewer seeds, yet often grows taller (Lifante 1999; Tutin et al. 1968). Bean (1981) generously describes it as a ‘graceful but not showy’ plant, and few gardeners as opposed to collectors would choose it over L. hirsutus. Like that species it suits a sunny position on poor, well-drained soil, has similar hardiness and can be propagated by seed (if set) or softwood cuttings in summer with bottom heat.

The limits of this species are poorly defined within a complex of similar forms. Numerous subspecies have been described (Lifante 1999; Tutin et al. 1968). The more easterly L. germanicus (Gremli) Peruzzi, L. graecus L. and Dorycnium anatolicum Boiss. & Heldr. (for which a combination at specific level in Lotus has apparently not been made) are sometimes included as subspecies (Tutin et al. 1968; Kramina et al. 2022) and are certainly closely related. None are of much horticultural interest.