Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level.
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for aphids.
- Look for signs of wilting.
Likely causes
Drought stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or wilt before falling off. The soil is bone dry and the plant looks generally limp.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Resume a schedule of watering every 2 to 5 days to keep the soil damp.
Aphid infestation
PossibleHow to tell: It is less common for this plant, but heavy aphid feeding can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Look for small insects clustering on the new growth and sticky residue on the leaves.
What to do: Gently wash the aphids off with a steady stream of water. If they persist, apply a mild insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your greater bird's-foot-trefoil
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Heavy leaf drop is a sign of significant stress that needs immediate attention. A few leaves dropping after you move the plant to a new spot is normal as it adjusts.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently damp and inspect the new growth regularly for any signs of aphids.
Greater bird's-foot-trefoil: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your greater bird's-foot-trefoil and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Will the leaves grow back?
- The plant will grow new leaves once the underlying issue is resolved. Focus on keeping the soil damp and providing enough light.
- Is leaf drop always bad?
- Not always, as the plant naturally sheds old leaves. However, if many leaves fall at once, it is a clear sign that something is wrong with the care routine.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Greater bird's-foot-trefoil
- Why are my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there bugs on my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil?
- Why is my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil drooping?
- Why is my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil growing so leggy?
- Why are my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Lotus pedunculatus leaves?
- Why is my Lotus pedunculatus not blooming?
- Why are my Lotus pedunculatus leaves curling?
Back to the Greater bird's-foot-trefoil guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.