red clover
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Trifolium pratense
Habit
This short-lived perennial grows from April into September. It flowers beginning in June through the end of its growing period. The erect stems can grow up to 2 in long.
Leaves
The hairy, alternate leaves are composed of three leaflets. The oblong leaflets usually have a whitish V in the center.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant is differentiated from other species by growing more erect. Most clovers prefer to grow in a prostrate manner.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers form in heads usually an inch in diameter. The individual pink flowers that make up the head are typically shorter than 5 mm.
Seed Fruit
The ovoid, yellow seeds form in pods 4 to 5 mm in length.
Where Found
This plant is usually planted in pastures for grazing, however it can usually be found in most types of turf.
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
purple,
red,
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
taproot,
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb