White clover
A perennial herb with three leaflets, rounded white flower heads and stems that creep along the ground.
- Scientific name
- Trifolium repens
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Other names
- Dutch clover
- Reviewed
A reference photograph of white clover. Leaflet markings and flower condition can vary between specimens and growing environments.
Photo credit: Vinayaraj
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
The photograph was resized and converted to JPEG.
Names and classification
White clover is a perennial herb in the pea family. This entry covers Trifolium repens, distinguishing it from other clovers such as red clover.
Observable features
Leaves usually have three leaflets, and small white flowers gather in rounded heads. Creeping stems spread by rooting at nodes; the presence of four leaflets alone does not identify the species.
Distribution and habitat
Native to Europe and neighboring regions, it has spread to lawns and roadsides in many countries. Check regional distribution records, distinguishing deliberately planted sites from places where it has spread on its own.
Ecology and life cycle
It participates in nitrogen fixation through symbiosis with microorganisms in root nodules, and bees and other visitors use its flowers. Low, spreading growth allows it to persist even where lawns are mown.
Cultivation and care
It grows in moderately moist soil in sun or partial shade. As stems spread readily sideways, consider boundaries with other plants and local rules for managing introduced species.
Observation and use precautions
Take care not to step on or disturb bees visiting flowers. Roadsides and lawns can be affected by herbicides or contamination, so do not use this article to decide whether to collect or eat the plant.