Lesser trefoil - Trifolium dubium (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Lesser trefoil

Also known as: Little hop clover, Yellow Shamrock, Lesser hop trefoil

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

5 cm to 40 cm

Plant Height

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Lesser trefoil

Distribution of Lesser trefoil

Distribution Map

Lesser trefoil is broadly established across multiple continents, found natively in a region encompassing Northern Africa, much of Europe, and parts of Western Asia. While inherently not widespread globally, lesser trefoil has been introduced to distinct areas in South America, Africa, South and East Asia, as well as Oceania. It is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, potentially impacting native ecosystems, notably in parts of Oceania and East Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Grassy places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Good fortune and luck

Interesting Facts

Lesser trefoil is considered to be an original shamrock - a young clover used as a national symbol of Ireland. Other clovers that are reportedly used as shamrock are white clover (Trifolium Repens), red clover (Trifolium Pratense), and wood sorrel (Oxalis Acetosell), but the original shamrock plant remains a mystery.

Name Story

Lesser trefoil||Lesser hop trefoil||Little hop clover: Although considered to be an original shamrock plant, lesser trefoil still carries an epithet 'lesser' which indicates its inferiority to other clover species, but it's unclear why it's considered 'lesser'.

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Quickly Identify Lesser trefoil

Trifoliate leaves with oval-shaped leaflets, each 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.

Small, yellow pea-like flowers clustered together, measuring up to 0.2 inches (5 mm) across.

Inconspicuous fruit retaining a single seed, enclosed within a dry calyx, 0.08 to 0.12 inches (2 to 3 mm).

Flexible stem, may lie along the ground or stand erect, thin, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm).

Compound leaves with 2-3 oblong leaflets, medium green with pinnate veins converging towards tip.

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Care Guide for Lesser trefoil

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Lesser trefoil thrives in grasslands, preferring consistent moisture but is moderately drought-tolerant. It requires weekly watering and benefits from natural rainfall during its growing season, often cultivated outdoors rather than indoors.

Fertilize: For lesser trefoil, use balanced fertilizers with added high nitrogen during growth peaks. Fertilize bi-weekly in spring/summer; reduce to monthly in cooler months. Water before fertilizing to prevent over-fertilization and adjust feeding seasonally for optimal health and vibrancy.

Pruning: Lesser trefoil, with small yellow flowers, requires pruning in early to late spring for healthy growth. Remove excessive, dead, or diseased stems to improve air circulation and maintain size. Regular pruning enhances appearance and vigor, ensuring optimal rejuvenation and robust growth.

Propagation: Lesser trefoil propagates primarily by sowing in spring, presenting a moderate difficulty. Successful propagation involves germination of healthy seedlings. Key factors for growth include proper spacing, adequate soil moisture, and optimal light exposure.

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