WHITE CLOVER
Trifolium repens
BEAN FAMILY (Fabaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May to October
- Common in disturbed areas
- Globe shaped cluster of tiny pea-like flowers
- Leaves divided into 3 leaflets - '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. Leaves have three oval leaflets (palmately trifoliolate), often with lighter “V” marks (A,B). The white or pinkish pea-like flowers are arranged in a round, 3/4 inch head atop a thin stalk (B,C). Flowers turn brown with age.
Closely related Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) has much larger, pink flower heads and larger leaves.
This clover blooms from May to October in pastures and along roadsides. At Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods it is common in disturbed ground around parking lots, trails and fields.
Other common names include Dutch Clover and Ladino Clover.
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