Trifolium repens L.

Classification  Kingdom Plantae – PlantsPlantae  Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plantsTracheobionta  Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plantsSpermatophyta  Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plantsMagnoliophyta  Class Magnoliopsida – DicotyledonsMagnoliopsida  Subclass RosidaeRosidae  Order FabalesFabales  Family Fabaceae – Pea familyFabaceae  Genus Trifolium L. – cloverTrifolium L.  Species Trifolium repens L. – white clover Trifolium repens L.

Shape, Form, and Type  This is a perennial plant and is about 6" tall, branching from the base. Figure 1

Leaf  Leaves are composed of 3 leaflets (trifoliate). Each leaflet is egg-shaped, widest at the apex, 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long, and has an indentation at the apex. Leaflets usually have a lighter green or white 'V- shaped' marking close to their base and a slightly toothed margin. Each trifoliate leaf occurs on a 1-3 inch petiole. Figure 2

Flower  Each flower is narrowly tubular, consisting of a green calyx with 5 narrow teeth and 5 petals that are white or pinkish white. When fully open, there is a small standard and 2 side petals that enclose the keel. The teeth of the calyx are equal to, or less than, the length of the calyx tube. Each flower has a very short pedicel. Figure 3

Fruit  The fruit is a pod that grows to 4-5 mm and is a legume. Figure 4

Habitat and Range  Habitats include pastures, fields, grassy meadows, lawns, parks, mowed areas along roadsides, paths through woodlands, and waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed areas that are grassy and subject to occasional mowing or grazing. This shrub is found all over the US.

Uses  Pasture for livestock and grazing, hay, etc.

References and Pictures  Retrieved 6/24/10. Figure 3. nts/white_clover.htm  Retrieved 6/24/10. Figure 1,2,4. htm  Retrieved 6/24/10 =TRRE3  Retrieved 6/24/10 hite_clover.html