Trifolium pratense aka Red Clover

Trifolium pratense, or red clover, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland. This short-lived perennial can also grow as a biennial. It grows in meadows, pastures and other grassy places. Farmers grow it for grazing, hay and soil improvement.

Plants grow fast and form upright or ascending clumps. Garden plants often stand 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] tall. RHS gives an upper height of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Spread reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Green stems bear hairs and may branch. The deciduous leaves have three green leaflets, each with a pale chevron. Lower leaves have long, hairy stalks. Leaflets can reach 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] long. Their broad tips narrow toward the base.

Rounded flower heads carry many small, tubular flowers. Their colour ranges from pink to purplish pink or pinkish red. RHS records flowering from May to October. The flowers have a sweet scent and provide nectar for bees. They also draw butterflies and some moths. Clouded sulphur caterpillars feed on the plant. Brown seed pods follow the flowers, holding one or two heart-shaped seeds. These pods mature during summer.

Grow red clover in full sun with good soil drainage. It prefers slightly acid soil but also accepts neutral ground. Clay, loam and sand can all suit it. Moist soil suits growth, though established plants tolerate dry spells. It favours ground with little added nitrogen and needs no pruning. Sow seed to raise new plants. NCSU lists USDA zones 3–9; RHS rates it H7. It fits wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Its roots fix nitrogen, making it useful as green manure. The flowers can also yield a yellow dye.

RHS reports few usual pest or disease troubles. However, clover rot can occur. Seeds and vigorous rhizomes can make it weedy. NCSU reports invasive listings in West Virginia and Kentucky. Young leaves and flower heads are edible raw or cooked. Harvest young leaves before flowering; cooking is preferred. Seeds can be sprouted, though they contain trypsin inhibitors. Diseased plants may contain toxic alkaloids without clear symptoms. NCSU warns against eating the flowers during pregnancy or nursing.