low hopclover
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Trifolium campestre
Other Common Names:
field clover
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Trifolium procumbens
Habit
This winter annual has many branched stems with leaves composed of three leaflets. The plant grows from midspring through early autumn.
Leaves
Leaves are formed from three ellipsoidal leaflets. The leaflets are toothed near the tip. This plant is different from others in this family in that the terminal leaflet is distinctly stalked. Leaves have a distinctly prominent midrib with no white veins
Identifying Characteristics
The stem is often hairy and prostrate. The petioles are often shorter than the leaflets.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur in loose clusters on long stalks attached to the leaf axils. The bright yellow flowers usually grow in clusters of 20-30 per stalk.
Seed Fruit
The seeds grow in pods, usually 2-3 seeds per pod.
Where Found
This plant does not do well in either excessively dry or humid regions. It prefers to grow along roads, in pastures, and other disturbed areas.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
oval,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
serrated
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb