Check these first
- Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch deep.
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for any signs of pests.
- Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight.
Likely causes
Drought stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves look pale before turning yellow.
What to do: Water the plant immediately until the soil is thoroughly soaked. Keep the soil consistently damp by watering every 2 to 5 days depending on the heat.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green, often occurring in pots.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil damp at all times.
Greater bird's-foot-trefoil: yellow leaves? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a yellow leaf?
- No, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. It is best to snip it off to help the plant focus energy on new growth.
- Does too much sun cause yellowing?
- Usually not, as this plant loves full sun. However, if the soil dries out completely in the sun, the leaves will yellow from dehydration.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Greater bird's-foot-trefoil
- 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 is my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil dropping leaves?
- 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.

