Plant of the Month: April, 2000

by Russell Stevens

White Clover
Trifolium repens L.

Characteristics: White clover is an introduced cool season forb that may act as an annual, biennial, or perennial, depending on soil type, rainfall and management. It may grow 12 inches tall. Its creeping, spreading stems can root at the nodes where they contact the soil. Flowers bloom in April or May, and the heads are white or sometimes tinged with pink. White clover is best adapted to areas receiving 40 inches of rainfall or more and soils that hold moisture and have ample calcium and phosphorus. Several varieties of white clover have been developed, the more common ones being Ladino, Louisiana S-1 and Regal.

Area of Importance: Eastern Oklahoma and east Texas.

Attributes: If managed correctly, white clover can be an outstanding pasture plant in eastern Oklahoma and Texas. It can tolerate moist sites but prefers bottomland clay and loamy soils. It can be grown on more productive upland soils, provided moisture, calcium, and phosphorous are present. It provides good forage for livestock. It is used in food plot plantings for wildlife, especially deer and turkey. Clover fields make good brood rearing habitat for turkey.

Problems: As do many clovers, white clover can cause bloat in livestock. It is fairly site specific, requiring soils with moisture holding capacity.

I.D. Tip: White clover is usually a perennial and often mat forming. Flower heads are round with a somewhat flattened top. Flowers are white or sometimes pink tinged.

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Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.