Lotus corniculatus var. alpicola (4743' N 1553' E)

Description:

2011-06-15 Lower Austria, district Neunkirchen (Alpine meadow, 1140 msm Quadrant 8261/3).German name: Ostalpen-Wiesen-HornkleeThe occurrence of Lotus corniculatus var. alpicola at this altitude is somewhat unusual (only 1150 msm when usually it occurs only above the tree line at 1500+ metres).ID: Fischer & al., Exkursionsflora (2008 3rd ed.); leaf shape is definitely that of Lotus genus, and the shape of sepals (the jags being definitely shorter than the rest of the sepals, which is the distinctive feature relevant here according to Fischer) clearly indicates var. alpicola (as well as the colour, by the way).Taxon rendered as Lotus alpicola by EOL (or so it seems - no way to be sure for me, there's just the similarity of names to go with); I'll stick to my field guide (even though the taxon is remarked as 'critical' by Fischer) to retain consistency in my plant IDs (which are based on this field guide).