This plant was introduced from Europe and widely planted here; now it is fully naturalized. This clover can grow up to several feet tall. The leaves have three rounded leaflets, with a lighter v-shaped chevron near their middle. Numerous pea-like flowers are crowded on a red to purple flower head, about 1 inch across. Identified by its clover leaves with light chevrons (A), hairy stems and leaves (B), unique stipules (C) and the color of its flower head. Compare to White Clover (Trifolium repens).
Grows along farm fences on the floodplain, flowering from May through October. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon near the Hitchcock Wetlands Learning Center. At Neale Woods, rare on Knull Prairie near the Millard Observatory.
This clover was extensively planted as a pasture and rotation crop. It stores nitrogen in its roots and thereby improves soil fertility.
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