Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
White clover
Also known as: Dutch clover, Shamrock
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.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Harvest Time
10 cm to 30 cm
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green, White, Variegated
Leaf Color
7 mm to 1.2 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Copper
Fruit Color
White, Pink
Flower Color
White, Green, Pink
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
0 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of White clover

Distribution of White clover

Distribution Map
White clover is native to Europe and central Asia, and south into parts of Africa and the Middle East. It grows in lawns and fields, prairies, and other places where there are few trees to block out light. In Japan, Australia, and the United States its spread is managed because this weedy plant is considered potentially invasive.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Grassland, lawns
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value
It can inhibit weeds from growing and can improve soil and conserve water and soil.
Economic Value
It can be used as good feed.
Garden Use
White clover is popularly planted as ground cover in gardens and parks. It does well in this role due to its low, creeping growth, providing the added beautification of its pink-tinged white blooms. It is often used to aid in the improvement of local soil, as a means of controlling erosion, and a grazing plant for livestock. This nitrogen-fixing plant is a good companion for apple trees – it's even said to make the apples taste better!
Symbolism
Hope, faith, love, good fortune
Interesting Facts
Trifolium repens is also known as white clover. Four-leaf clovers represents good luck in Britain and the United States because it is considered a plant only grown in the Garden of Eden. In some countries, the playing cards suit of clubs represents the lucky white clover.
Name Story
White clover||Dutch clover||Ladino clover: This species includes varieties that are often classified as small, intermediate and large, based on its height which reflects petiole length. The term “white clover” is applied to the species in general, “Dutch clover” is often applied to intermediate varieties (but sometimes to smaller varieties), and “ladino clover” is applied to large varieties.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of White clover, including the following common varieties :

Toxicity

White clover poses a mild toxicity risk to cats and dogs. All parts of white clover are toxic if ingested in high amounts, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal upset and physical discomfort. Immediate veterinary treatment is crucial if poisoning is suspected to ensure the health of the affected pets.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: Toxicity of White clover

Weed Control

White clover's native range includes Europe, western Central Asia, and parts of North Africa. Because it spreads efficiently by seed that can remain viable for years and survive both low temperatures and high heat, it was naturalized in North America, China, Australasia, southern Latin America, and parts of Africa. Although it is a desirable plant in many respects, from enriching the soil to being quality animal feed to providing food for pollinators, white clover is still considered a weed in some places, such as garden beds, lawns, and fields. Since it tends to grow in clumps, it is easy to remove manually, but it can keep coming back for years via seeds.
How to Control It
The best time to control white clover is during its active growing season, in late spring or early summer before it can spread its seeds. To keep this plant from turning into an unwanted weed or to cultivate it without letting it overtake the garden, follow these steps:
  1. Manual removal: Pull white clover from the ground, ensuring that all root segments are extracted to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Spread a thick layer of organic mulch around plants to suppress the growth of white clover by blocking sunlight.
  3. Mowing: Regularly mow the area to keep white clover from flowering and seeding, cutting it back just enough without harming the grass it grows within.
  4. Plant competition: Introduce competitive plants that can outcompete white clover, such as taller grasses or ground covers that shade it out.
  5. Vinegar solution: Spray a diluted vinegar solution directly onto white clover as a natural herbicide, taking care to not harm nearby desirable plants.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify White clover

1
Tripinnate leaf arrangement with oval leaflets.
2
Rounded white flower heads, fragrant with sweet scent.
3
Globular flowers with 40-100 small, white florets.
4
Ovate fruit pod housing 4-6 small seeds.
5
Square-shaped stem with unique branching pattern.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify White clover

Care Guide for White clover

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: White clover thrives in temperate climates, requiring consistent moisture and evenly moist soil. Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance. Weekly watering promotes optimal growth, with supplemental irrigation needed during prolonged dry periods to support lush foliage and flowering.
Fertilize: Fertilize white clover with balanced fertilizers (equal NPK) every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to enhance growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, which can disrupt nitrogen-fixing. Reduce applications in late fall and winter, and consider slow-release formulas to minimize nutrient run-off.
Pruning: White clover is a low-growing perennial with trifoliate leaves and white flowers. Prune in spring for dense growth, remove dead parts, and mow regularly to control spread. Pruning improves air circulation, reduces disease risk, and promotes vigorous growth for a thriving white clover.
Propagation: White clover is primarily propagated by sowing in spring, noted for its ease. Successful propagation is indicated by new leaf and root growth. Maintaining adequate moisture and using well-draining soil are crucial for effective growth.
Repotting: White clover requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring its roots do not become waterlogged, promoting healthy growth and minimizing the risk of rot.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for White clover
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app