WHITE CLOVER
Trifolium repens
BEAN FAMILY (Fabaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Common in disturbed areas
- Globe shaped cluster of tiny pea-like flowers
- Leaves divided into 3 leaflets - often referred to as 'three leaf clover'
- Leaflets often with light triangular or v-shaped markings
This perennial was introduced from Europe. A creeping clover, it often forms mats which usually stay low to the ground. The leaves have three oval leaflets (palmately trifoliolate), often with lighter “V” marks (A). The white or pinkish pea-like flowers are arranged in a round, 3/4 inch head atop a thin stalk (B). The flowers turn brown with age.
This clover blooms from May to October in pastures and along roadsides. At Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods it is considered common on disturbed ground around parking lots and fields.
Other common names include Dutch Clover and Ladino Clover. Identified by its white or pinkish pea-like flower heads and clover leaves. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) has much larger, usually pink flower heads and larger leaves.
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