small hopclover
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Trifolium dubium
Other Common Names:
suckling clover
least hopclover
lesser hop trefoil
Habit
This winter annual flowers from midspring into early summer. Its freely growing branches are found either upright or creeping.
Leaves
The leaves are formed from 3 small leaflets that are narrow towards the base and are broadest near the tip. Leaflets have prominent veins, and the terminal leaflet has a short stalk.
Identifying Characteristics
The stems of this plant are usually hairy, with a reddish color. It is similar to the large hop clover, but with smaller leaves and flowers.
Flower Seed Head
Bright yellow flowers form in heads of three to fifteen. They form in looser clumps than other clovers.
Seed Fruit
Each flower usually bears one seedpod containing one seed.
Where Found
This plant grows in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, pastures, near sidewalks, and any other kind of turf.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf 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