Red clover - Trifolium pratense (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Red clover

Also known as: Purple clover

Red clover is widely cultivated as a fodder plant and green manure because its roots can fix nitrogen and increase the fertility of the soil. The cultivated Trifolium pratense is inevitably escaped and is now naturalized globally, including the United States and Australia. Its flowers are attractive, so it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

40 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

1.2 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Red clover

Distribution of Red clover

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Calcareous soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Red clovers are a kind of feed with high nutritional value.

Beauty Improvement Value

Professional medical extraction of red clovers has anti-aging effects.

Garden Use

Red clover can be used as an attractive groundcover in yards and parks due to its colorful blooms and low, dense growth pattern. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, its presence improves soil quality and gardeners may add it to areas that need enrichment. It is a good companion planting in vegetable gardens, particularly for legumes.

Symbolism

Prayer, hope, romance

Interesting Facts

Each year in Ireland, on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, everyone wears a green clover. Saint Patrick is said to have used the clover to explain the Trinity to the Irish who advocate freedom.

Name Story

Red clover: This plant comes with many utilities. Despite the utilities, it is one of the oldest and original clovers in history. Moreover, the flowers are red-colored and it is Denmark's national flower. Considering the color and the number of leaves, it is commonly called red clover.

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Toxicity

Ingesting red clover can cause headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and rarely, severe gastrointestinal issues and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Toxicity is heightened if the plant is diseased. Red clover is also toxic to cats and dogs, causing various symptoms if ingested. Immediate veterinary care is crucial upon suspected poisoning to ensure proper treatment.

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Quickly Identify Red clover

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

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

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Red clover

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Red clover thrives in temperate climates, preferring regular moisture akin to grasslands. Moderately drought-tolerant, it flourishes with consistent hydration. Weekly watering mimics natural rainfall, supporting its lush foliage and ensuring robust health, especially during the active growing season.

Fertilize: Optimize red clover's growth with balanced fertilizers applied monthly during the growing season. Follow manufacturer guidelines for dosage, reducing in winter. Avoid over-fertilization to protect nitrogen-fixing processes. Incorporate fertilizer gently into the soil to maintain root health, promoting red clover's vitality and growth.

Pruning: Red clover features vibrant green leaves and reddish-purple flowers, thriving with targeted pruning in early to late spring. Key techniques include removing dead stems and thinning crowded areas, promoting healthier growth and prolific blooms. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease transmission.

Propagation: Red clover propagates best by sowing seeds in spring, with moderate difficulty. Success is indicated by young leaf formation. For optimal growth, use well-drained soil and maintain consistently moist conditions.

Repotting: Red clover requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring that excess water can escape and roots remain healthy, preventing rot and promoting optimal growth.

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