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Red clover

How to identify Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover, also known as Purple clover

Red clover is characterized by its compound leaves, which are arranged in groups of three leaflets and span across roughly 0.75 inches (2 cm) in length. The leaflets are oval-shaped with a subtle V-shaped white marking. It boasts rounded flower heads that are approximately 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 cm) in diameter, consisting of numerous small, tube-like florets that exhibit shades of pink to pinkish-purple. These distinctive flower heads emerge atop hairy stems that may reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. The plant's overall appearance lends itself as a recognizable figure in various grassy landscapes.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Red clover

1

Compound leaves in groups of three leaflets, with oval shape and V-shaped white marking.

2

Flower heads with tube-like florets in shades of pink to pinkish-purple, atop hairy stems.

3

Tiny tubular blooms with 5 slender pink to purplish-pink petals, measuring 0.4 inches (1 cm).

4

Small seedpods with 1-2 heart-shaped seeds, evolving from flower heads, colored from green to tan brown.

5

Hairy stem with occasional branching, green color, and 0.1-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) in diameter.

Red cloverRed cloverRed cloverRed cloverRed clover

Detailed Traits of Red clover

Leaf Features

Red clover features leaves with long, hairy petioles on the lower leaves. Each leaflet can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide. The upper surface of each leaflet displays distinctive white or light green chevrons. Typically, 1 to 3 leaflets are positioned directly below each flower head. These features make the leaves of red clover easily identifiable.

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of red clover form clustered heads containing numerous tiny tubular blooms. Each flower boasts 5 slender, pink to purplish-pink petals arranged in a delicate, outward-spreading manner. Typically measuring around 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length, these flowers present a rich, vibrant color that attracts various pollinators. The blooming period generally extends from late spring through early autumn. These intricate flower heads emit a faint but pleasant fragrance that enhances their appeal.

Red clover Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Capitulum/Head

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Stem Features

The stem of red clover is generally hairy and may have occasional branching. It is typically green, supporting a sturdy structure. The texture is covered in fine, short hairs, giving it a slightly fuzzy feel. The stem's thickness ranges between 0.1 to 0.2 inches (3 to 5 mm) in diameter, facilitating adequate nutrient transport. This growth pattern and characteristic hairy texture are key identifying features distinguishing red clover from other species.

Red clover Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of red clover consists of small seedpods, each typically bearing 1 or 2 heart-shaped seeds. These seedpods evolve from the plant’s flower heads and possess a protective casing. The seeds within these pods are pivotal for the plant's reproduction. Colored in hues that may range from green to a tan brown as they mature, the pods are usually diminutive, providing a subtle yet key characteristic for species identification. The texture and distinct shape of the heart-like seeds can further aid enthusiasts in recognizing the fruit of red clover.

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Red clover and Their Similar Plants

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White clover vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial herb, one of the most cultivated species of clover. It can be found on lawns and grasslands all over the world. White clover is often cultivated as a forage plant and used for green manure in agriculture.
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Hare's-Foot Clover vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
Hare's-Foot Clover (Trifolium arvense) is a flowering clover species native to Europe. Hare's-Foot Clover grows on dry sandy soils, acidic and alkaline soils, and on the edges of fields. Sheep and goats graze on this species, and it can be beneficial to agriculture by adding nitrogen to the soil where it is planted.
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Lesser trefoil vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
Lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium) is a species of clover. It natives to Europe and Southwest Asia, and has introduced to many parts of the world as a pasture. This plant is considered to be the prototype of the traditional Irish shamrock symbol.
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Alsike clover vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
The common name for Trifolium hybridum (alsike clover) comes from Alsike, a parish in Sweden. It was the place where Carl Linne, a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, first researched the plant. Indigenous to Europe and Asia, it's found on grasslands and mountainsides in areas with temperate climates.
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Buffalo clover vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, Trifolium reflexum's populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.
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Carolina clover vs. Red clover: What's The Difference?
It is a small erect herbaceous annual, or sometimes biennial plant, growing to 10 to 40 cm tall. Like all clovers, it has leaves divided into three sessile leaflets, which are slender, 1 to 2 cm long and 3 to 5 mm broad, and sometimes edged with small hairs and finely serrated. The leaves have a pair of stipules at the base, often tipped in red.
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Key Facts About Red clover

Attributes of Red clover
Lifespan
Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm to 80 cm
Spread
40 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
1.2 cm to 1.5 cm
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Red
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Pink
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Red clover

Family
Legume
Icon allow
Genus
Clovers
Icon allow
Species
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Learn More About the Red clover

Distribution Map of Red clover

Red clover originates from Europe, Eastern Asia, and North Africa, where it can often be found in meadows and open forests, but now it's widely cultivated throughout the world as an important forage crop. The species has been introduced to much of Asia, North and South America. Red clover is known for its weedy tendencies, and it is considered invasive in the US states of Wisconsin and Alaska.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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