Lotus hirsutus

Lotus hirsutus, also known by the synonym Dorycnium hirsutum, common name: canary clover or hairy canary-clover, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae.

Description
It is a low-growing, domed semi-evergreen subshrub, reaching on average 20 - 50 cm in height. Its habit is erect, green, hairy and branched. The silver leaves are sessile, alternate and quite fuzzy. The flowers are white veined pinkish-red, in terminal umbels composed of four to ten flowers. The flowering period extends from May through July. The fruits are cylindrical reddish brown seed pods.

Distribution and habitat
This plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal to Turkey and south to northern Africa.

The typical habitat of this sub-shrub is grassland, in well-drained soil. Plants can be found at an altitude of 0 - 1500 m.

Cultivation
This plant is found in cultivation. Though hardy down to -10 C, it requires a sheltered spot in full sun. In the United Kingdom it has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.