White Clover
Trifolium repens
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Description
White Clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial herbaceous plant renowned for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, making it a cornerstone in agroecology and regenerative agriculture. It serves as a ground cover and living mulch, playing a crucial role in soil fertility enhancement and erosion control. In food forests, it occupies the herbaceous layer, supporting a diverse ecosystem by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. White clover is a valuable companion plant, particularly for grasses and other legumes, enhancing pasture quality and providing nutritious forage for livestock. Historically, it has been used in traditional European agriculture for its soil-improving properties. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions makes it an adaptable and resilient choice for sustainable farming systems. In guilds, it pairs well with fruit trees, providing ground cover and nitrogen to the soil, which benefits the trees. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Growing Details
White clover thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate water. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching with straw or wood chips can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include grasses, which benefit from the nitrogen fixed by clover. Avoid overgrazing or mowing too low, as this can weaken the pl
Edible Parts
Leaves
Flowers
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Hay
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
High Protein
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Trifolium repens</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Central Asia, now widesp
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of Jun for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: White clover leaves and flowers are edible. The young leaves can be consumed raw in salads or cooked as a leafy green. The flowers can be dried and used to make a mildly sweet tea. They are best harvested in spring and early summer when they are most tender. The leaves are a good source of protein and vitamins A and C.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: White clover has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is sometimes included in herbal remedies for colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues. However, due to potential side effects, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist. The flowers can be used in infusions to soothe sore throats and reduce fever.
health concerns: Consumption of large quantities may lead to bloating or other digestive issues. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using for medicinal purposes.
other uses: White clover is commonly used as a green manure and cover crop. It is also used for erosion control and as a forage crop for livestock. Its dense growth habit helps suppress weeds and its flowers support pollinator populations.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Trifolium repens
common names: White Clover; Dutch Clover; Ladino Clover
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Trifolieae
sub tribe:
genus: Trifolium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.2 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / -5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 5 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: White clover thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate water. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching with straw or wood chips can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include grasses, which benefit from the nitrogen fixed by clover. Avoid overgrazing or mowing too low, as this can weaken the pl
Potential Disturbances: White clover is generally resilient but can face root rot and fungal diseases in poorly drained soils. Ensuring good drainage and encouraging beneficial insects can help manage these challenges.
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