Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
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Description
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a herbaceous perennial plant recognized for its trifoliate leaves and vibrant pinkish-red flowers. In regenerative agriculture, it is valued for its role as a nitrogen-fixing legume, significantly enhancing soil fertility and structure. Red Clover is commonly used as a cover crop and in pastures and meadows to prevent erosion and improve soil health. Its deep taproots are effective in breaking up compacted soil, making it an invaluable component in ecological farming systems. In a food forest, Red Clover serves as a ground cover layer, promoting biodiversity and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often integrated into polyculture guilds with plants like comfrey, yarrow, and chamomile to enhance biodiversity and soil health. Historically, Red Clover has been utilized in traditional medicine and as a forage crop. Its ability to fix nitrogen and support beneficial mycorrhizal networks makes it a keystone species in agroecological systems.
Growing Details
Red Clover thrives in well-drained, fertile loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Sow seeds directly in the field in early spring or late summer. Mulch around the plants with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Red Clover benefits from being planted alongside grasses, which can provide structural support and additional nitrogen fixation. Avoid overwa
Edible Parts
Leaves
Flowers
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing
Keystone Specie
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 pratense</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, Western Asia, and Northwest
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The flowers and leaves of Red Clover can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads, soups, and teas. The flowers have a sweet flavor and are sometimes used to make clover jelly. The leaves can be dried and used as a tea, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. The best time to harvest the flowers is in the morning after the dew has dried, ensuring the highest concentration of essential oils and nutrients.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Red Clover is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential benefits in treating skin conditions, respiratory issues, and menopausal symptoms. It contains isoflavones, which are believed to have estrogen-like effects, making it useful for balancing hormones. However, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. It is also used as a blood purifier and to support cardiovascular health. The flowers are typically harvested in late spring to early summer when they a
health concerns: Red Clover should be used with caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions due to its phytoestrogen content. It may also interact with blood-thinning medications.
other uses: Red Clover is used as a green manure and mulch due to its ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil health. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Trifolium pratense
common names: Red Clover; Cow Clover; Meadow Clover
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Trifolieae
sub tribe:
genus: Trifolium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.2 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / -20ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Red Clover thrives in well-drained, fertile loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Sow seeds directly in the field in early spring or late summer. Mulch around the plants with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Red Clover benefits from being planted alongside grasses, which can provide structural support and additional nitrogen fixation. Avoid overwa
Potential Disturbances: Common challenges include clover root curculio and aphid pressures. To manage these naturally, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Fungal disturbances like powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
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