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Trifolium, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

clovers

Fabaceae

Temperate Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Trifolium is a genus of about 245 to 300 species of annual, biennial, and perennial herbs in the legume family (Fabaceae), found across temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Plants range from creeping mat-formers 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall, such as T. repens, to upright clumps reaching 16-24 inches (40-60 cm), such as T. pratense. The leaves are characteristically divided into three leaflets, occasionally four or more, often marked with a pale crescent or watermark. Small pea-type flowers are packed into dense rounded or oval heads 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) across, in white, pink, crimson, yellow, or purple, and are followed by small few-seeded pods enclosed in the persistent calyx. Like other legumes, clovers form root nodules housing Rhizobium bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil. Many species are grown as forage, green manure, cover crops, and components of lawns and pollinator plantings, while several, including T. repens and T. pratense, have naturalized far beyond their native ranges. Most species spread by seed, and creeping types also root at the nodes. Clovers can become weedy in turf and cultivated ground.

Native Range

Trifolium species are native across Europe, western and central Asia, north and east Africa, and the Americas, with the greatest diversity in the Mediterranean region and western North America. Many species have naturalized worldwide through their use as forage and cover crops.

Suggested Uses

Clovers are used in lawns, meadows, orchards, and pollinator plantings, and as cover crops and green manure sown to form continuous ground cover. Low creeping species suit pathways and turf alternatives that tolerate light traffic. Upright species are grown in wildflower meadows and as forage.

How to Identify

Recognized by leaves divided into three leaflets, frequently bearing a pale chevron, and by small pea flowers densely clustered into rounded or egg-shaped heads. Flower heads sit on stalks from the leaf axils or stem tips and dry to papery, persistent structures enclosing the seeds. Creeping species root at the nodes and form mats, while upright species grow in clumps. The trifoliate leaf and globular flower head together separate Trifolium from Medicago and Melilotus, which have elongated flower clusters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Flowers: May–September

Spring Summer Fall

Most clovers flower from late spring through summer, roughly May to September in temperate zones, with some species continuing into autumn in mild climates. Individual heads remain in bloom for one to three weeks as the lowest florets open first. Flower color depends on species, spanning white, pink, red, yellow, and purple.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, red, yellow, or purple

Foliage Description

green, often with pale markings

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0 (Neutral)

3579

Soil Types

clay loam sand silt

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Clovers grow in full sun to light shade and adapt to a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, preferring a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Once established they tolerate drought, though growth and flowering decline in prolonged dry spells. As nitrogen-fixing legumes they need little or no supplemental nitrogen and can grow in lean soils where many plants grow poorly. Poorly drained, waterlogged sites and highly acidic soils limit nodulation and reduce vigor. Perennial species persist for several years and spread by creeping stems or reseeding. Many tolerate mowing and foot traffic, which is why creeping types are used in lawns.

Pruning

Pruning is generally unnecessary. Mowing or shearing creeping species keeps them low and removes spent flower heads, prompting fresh growth. Cutting back forage and upright species after the first bloom can stimulate a second flush of flowers.