Trifolium repens - White Clover

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Fabales - Family: Fabaceae

Description

Growing to typically 30cm in height but occasionally to more than 40cm, this clover plant has white or pinkish spherical flower heads typically 1.5 to 2cm across. The leaves are nearly always trifoliate, but exceptionally a 'four-leaved clover' can be found and is considered to be lucky.

Distribution

White Clover is widespread and common throughout the UK and Ireland, and it occurs naturally in many parts of mainland Europe and asia. This clover species is also commonly planted in fields for use as farm-animal fodder.

Similar species

There are several other kinds of clovers in Britain and Ireland including Red Clover Trifolium pratense, Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum, Field Clover Trifolium campestre, and Knotted Clover Trifolium stratum, a downy-leaved plant.

Habitat

White Clover isn't fussy about the kind of soil it grows on, and it can be found in a wide variety of grassy habitats including garden lawns, roadside verges and field margins.

Flowering times

White clover has a long flowering period stretching from early May through to the end of September. The plants shown on this page were photographed in Wales during May and June.

Etymology

The genus name Trifolium refers to the tree lobes that make up (in nearly all instances!) each leaf, while the specific epither repens means creeping and refers to the way this clover plant spreads via its stems, which when in contact with the ground act as stolons.