Trifolium repens

Common Names:

• White Clover
• Dutch Clover
• Ladino Clover

Phonetic Spelling:

try-FOH-lee-um REE-penz

Description:

White Clover is a low-growing, perennial herb with trifoliate leaves and small, white to pinkish flowers arranged in dense, round heads. It spreads via creeping stems that root at the nodes, forming a dense mat. The leaves are trifoliate, with three leaflets that are often marked with a pale crescent. The leaflets are oval and slightly serrated. The flowers are small, white to pinkish, and form spherical clusters at the top of long stalks. They are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Distribution/Location:

• Geographic Range: Native to Europe and Central Asia, but widely naturalized in North America and other regions.
• Habitat: Commonly found in lawns, pastures, fields, and along roadsides, particularly in temperate climates.

Environmental Benefits:

• Nitrogen Fixation: White Clover is a legume that enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers@
• Ground Cover: It provides excellent ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion (super important for urban developments), and outcompete weeds.
• Pollinator Support: White Clover is an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in both urban and rural areas.

Fun Fact:

White Clover is often included in lawn mixes because of its ability to stay green and lush even in poor soil conditions, and it can tolerate regular mowing. In some cultures, finding a four-leaf clover is considered a sign of good luck!