White Clover (Trifolium repens) is a familiar weedy herbaceous plant with sprawling stems that is native or naturalized across most of the temperate regions of the world. The white or pinkish flowers are produced in heads consisting of dozens of flowers. It is a perennial and an insect-pollinated, obligate outcrosser; plants also spread vegetatively by stolons (Olsen et al. 2008). Like other plants in the Fabaceae (legume family), White Clover harbors microbes in its root system that are capable of fixing nitrogen, i.e., converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants. White Clover is one of the three-leafleted clover species that occasionally produces a leaf with four (or more) leaflets, i.e., a "four-leafed clover". The genetics underlying this phenomenon has been at least partly worked out (see Tashiro et al. 2010). Images of four-leafed clovers can be seen above and examples of multifoliolated clover leaves can be seen here, along with this intriguing quotation from Masters (1869): "[Trifolium repens] was gathered at night-time during the full moon by sorceresses, who mixed it with vervain and other ingredients, while young girls in search of a token of perfect happiness made quest of the plant by day."

White Clover exhibits a geographic polymorphism for cyanogenesis (the release of cyanide following tissue damage, a phenomenon seen in a very large and diverse number of plant species). Both cyanogenic and acyanogenic plants occur in natural populations, with acyanogenic plants predominating in colder climates for reasons that are not yet clear (Olsen and Ungerer 2008; Olsen et al. 2008 and references therein). This polymorphism has been studied since early in the 20th century, and represents one of the most thoroughly studied examples of an adaptive polymorphism in plants. Cyanogenic plants are generally found to be strongly favored in the presence of generalist herbivores, which avoid eating them. However, a number of costs appear to be associated with cyanogenesis, such as reduced drought tolerance, resulting in trade-offs that may favor cyanogenetic or acyanogenetic plants depending on local conditions. (Olsen et al. 2008 and references therein)

This is the familiar clover in lawns with white flowerheads. It is possible to confuse White Clover with other Trifolium spp., including the introduced Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover), native Trifolium reflexum (Buffalo Clover), and native Trifolium stoloniferum (Running Buffalo Clover). This latter species has never been observed in Illinois, but can be found in neighboring Indiana. Compared to White Clover, Alsike Clover is a taller and more erect plant, with flowerheads that are usually more pink, and leaflets that are without white markings (chevrons). It doesn't form stoloniferous stems. Similarly, Running Buffalo Clover is a taller and more erect plant, with flowerheads that are somewhat larger in size (often 1" across or more), and leaflets that are also without chevrons. Running Buffalo Clover is even more similar in appearance to White Clover than the others because it produces long stoloniferous stems and has flowerheads that are about the same size and color. However, its leaves are also without any white markings or chevrons. Both of the native clovers also possess larger stipules (½" or longer), have slightly longer pedicels, and have calyx teeth that are often longer than the calyx tube.

This introduced perennial plant is about 6" tall, branching from the base. Initially, it produces several compound leaves from a short stem that grows only a little, after which this stem rapidly elongates and becomes up to 1' long. These elongated stems sprawl along the ground and have the capacity to root at the nodes. They are hairless and light green. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate and hairless. They occur at intervals along the elongated stems and have long hairless petioles. The leaflets are obovate or ovate. Their margins are finely serrate. Across the upper surface of each leaflet are white markings in the form of a chevron (an upside down "V"), although for this species these markings are often degenerate, irregular, or absent. Each leaflet is about ¾" long and about half as wide. At the base of each petiole there are a pair of small lanceolate stipules that are light green and membranous; sometimes they wrap around the elongated stems. Each stipule is less than ½" in length. Flowerheads about ¾" across are produced on long naked stalks (peduncles) that are unbranched and hairless. These flowering stalks are usually a little taller than the compound leaves. Each flowerhead has 20-50 flowers and is more or less globular in shape. Each flower is narrowly tubular, consisting of a green calyx with 5 narrow teeth and 5 petals that are white or pinkish white. When fully open, there is a small standard and 2 side petals that enclose the keel. The teeth of the calyx are equal to, or less than, the length of the calyx tube. Each flower has a very short pedicel. The blooming period occurs intermittently for several months, from late spring through the fall. The flowers gradually turn brown and are replaced by seedpods. Each little seedpod contains only a few seeds, which are flat, round or slightly heart-shaped, and variously colored. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot and the rootlets formed by the elongated stems. This plant reproduces by seed or vegetatively, and often forms colonies.

Trifolium repens,L, white clover, is a perennial legume that originated in Europe and has become one of the most widely distributed legumes in the world. It has a prostrate, stoloniferous growth habit. The leaves are composed of three leaflets, which may or may not have a “crescent” or “water mark” on the upper surface. Leaves and roots develop along the stolon at the nodes.

The flower heads, each consisting of 40 to 100 florets, are borne on long stalks from the leaf axils. Florets are white but may have a pink hue.

Widely naturalised in the temperate regions of the world; native of Europe, N. Africa, W. & C. Asia.

Trifolium repens L.:
Argentina (South America)
Brazil (South America)
Canada (North America)
Chile (South America)
China (Asia)
Colombia (South America)
Costa Rica (Mesoamerica)
Ecuador (South America)
Greenland (North America)
Guatemala (Mesoamerica)
Honduras (Mesoamerica)
Mexico (Mesoamerica)
Panama (Mesoamerica)
Peru (South America)
Sri Lanka (Asia)
Uruguay (South America)
United States (North America)
Venezuela (South America)
Caribbean (Caribbean)

Canada

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Unknown/Undetermined

Confidence: Confident

United States

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Unknown/Undetermined

Confidence: Confident

White clover thrives best in a cool, moist climate in soils with ample lime, phosphate, and potash. In general, white clover is best adapted to clay and silt soils in humid and irrigated areas. It grows successfully on sandy soils with a high water table or irrigated droughty soils when adequately fertilized. White clover seldom roots deeper than 2 feet, which makes it adapted to shallow soils when adequate moisture is available.

White clover is distributed throughout the United States. For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website.

White Clover is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into the United States from Europe a long time ago as a source of forage and hay. Habitats include pastures, fields, grassy meadows, lawns, parks, mowed areas along roadsides, paths through woodlands, and waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed areas that are grassy and subject to occasional mowing or grazing. In more natural areas, it is not tall enough to be very competitive with the native vegetation.

Distribution: Pakistan; Kashmir; India; Russia, Central Asia, Siberia, Afghanistan; Caucasus; N.Africa; naturalized in N.America, Atlantic Islands; S. Africa; Australia and E.Asia.

Glabrous to glabrescent perennial, prostrate, rooting at nodes. Leaflets 1-4 cm long, broadly obovate, rounded or retuse at the apex; petiole long; stipules broad at the base, sheathing, ending in a subulate apex. Inflorescence a globose raceme, 15-25 mm broad. Flowers scented. Calyx 2-6 mm, 10-nerved, teeth unequal. Corolla white or pinkish. Vexillum 8-13 mm long. Fruit linear, 3-4-seeded.

Perennial, Herbs, Taproot present, Nodules present, Plants stoloniferous, Stems or branches arching, spreading or decumbent, Stems prostrate, trailing, or mat forming, Stems less than 1 m tall, Stems solid, Stems or young twigs glabrous or sparsely glabrate, Stems or young twigs sparsely to densely hairy, Leaves alternate, Leaves petiolate, Stipules conspicuous, Stipules membranous or chartaceous, Stipules persistent, Stipules clasping stem at the base, Stipules adnate to petiole, Leaves compound, Leaves palmately 2-3 foliate, Leaflets dentate or denticulate, Leaflets 3, Leaves glabrous or nearly so, Inflorescence s racemes, Inflorescence umbel-like or subumbellate, Inflorescences globose heads, capitate or subcapitate, Inflorescence axillary, Bracteoles present, Flowers zygomorphic, Calyx 5-lobed, Calyx glabrous, Petals separate, Corolla papilionaceous, Petals clawed, Petals white, Petals pinkish to rose, Banner petal narrow or oblanceolate, Wing petals narrow, oblanceolate to oblong, Wing petals auriculate, Wing tips obtuse or rounded, Keel tips obtuse or rounded, not beaked, Stamens 9-10, Stamens diadelphous, 9 united, 1 free, Filaments glabrous, Style terete, Fruit a legume, Fruit unilocular, Fruit indehiscent, Fruit oblong or ellipsoidal, Fruit orbicular to subglobose, Fruit or valves persistent on stem, Fruit glabrous or glabrate, Fruit 3-10 seeded, Seeds cordiform, mit-shaped, notched at one end, Seed surface smooth, Seeds olive, brown, or black.

Extensively cultivated as an important fodder plant.

1500-2500 m

White Clover is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into the United States from Europe a long time ago as a source of forage and hay. Habitats include pastures, fields, grassy meadows, lawns, parks, mowed areas along roadsides, paths through woodlands, and waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed areas that are grassy and subject to occasional mowing or grazing. In more natural areas, it is not tall enough to be very competitive with the native vegetation.

The standard seeding rate is two pounds per acre. For pasture establishment, seeds are drilled into a well-prepared seedbed that has been plowed, harrowed, and compacted to produce a firm seedbed. The seeds are inoculated before seeding. For stabilization use, seeds are broadcast on roadside cuts and fills by cyclone seeders, hydroseeders, or blower-type equipment.

The proper time of seeding is determined by seasonal and moisture conditions. This may vary from April to May. Late summer and fall seedings should be conducted while adequate moisture is still in the soil to assure establishment before freezing.

Trifolium repens (White Clover) introduced
(Bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while other insects suck nectar; according to Robertson, butterflies, skippers, & moths are non-pollinating; individual observations are from Krombein et al. and Lewis as indicated below, otherwise observations are from Robertson)

Bees (long-tongued)
Apidae (Apinae): Apis mellifera sn fq; Apidae (Bombini): Bombus bimaculatus sn cp, Bombus griseocallis sn cp, Bombus impatiens sn, Bombus pensylvanica sn cp, Psithyrus variabilis sn; Anthophoridae (Anthophorini): Anthophora abrupta sn, Anthophora ursina sn cp; Anthophoridae (Ceratinini): Ceratina dupla dupla sn cp; Anthophoridae (Epeolini): Epeolus bifasciatus sn, Epeolus interruptus sn, Triepeolus remigatus sn; Anthophoridae (Eucerini): Synhalonia rosae sn, Synhalonia speciosa sn; Anthophoridae (Nomadini): Nomada affabilis sn fq, Nomada articulata sn, Nomada superba superba sn fq; Megachilidae (Anthidinini): Anthidium psoraleae sn cp fq; Megachilidae (Coelioxini): Coelioxys octodentata sn fq, Coelioxys sayi sn fq; Megachilidae (Megachilini): Megachile brevis brevis sn cp fq, Megachile centuncularis sn, Megachile mendica sn, Megachile texana sn; Megachilidae (Osmiini): Hoplitis cylindricus sn cp fq, Hoplitis pilosifrons sn cp fq, Osmia atriventris sn cp fq, Osmia collinsiae sn cp, Osmia conjuncta sn cp fq, Osmia cordata sn, Osmia distincta sn cp, Osmia pumila sn cp fq; Megachilidae (Trypetini): Heriades variolosa variolosa sn

Bees (short-tongued)
Halictidae (Halictinae): Agapostemon sericea sn cp fq, Agapostemon virescens sn cp, Augochlorella aurata sn, Augochlorella striata sn fq, Augochloropsis metallica metallica sn, Halictus confusus sn cp fq, Halictus ligatus sn cp, Halictus parallelus sn cp, Halictus rubicunda sn cp fq, Lasioglossum coriaceus sn cp fq, Lasioglossum pilosus pilosus sn cp, Lasioglossum versatus sn cp; Andrenidae (Andreninae): Andrena crataegi (Kr), Andrena cressonii sn cp; Andrenidae (Panurginae): Calliopsis andreniformis sn cp fq

Wasps
Sphecidae (Bembicnae): Microbombex monodonta; Sphecidae (Sphecinae): Ammophila nigricans, Ammophila pictipennis, Ammophila procera, Prionyx atrata; Scoliidae: Campsomeris plumipes

Flies
Empididae: Empis clausa; Bombyliidae: Bombylius atriceps, Parabombylius coquilletti, Systoechus vulgaris; Conopidae: Physocephala texana, Physocephala tibialis, Stylogaster biannulata, Zodion fulvifrons; Tachinidae: Archytas analis

Butterflies
Nymphalidae: Chlosyne nycteis, Euptoieta claudia, Vanessa virginiensis; Lycaenidae: Celastrina argiolus, Everes comyntas; Papilionidae: Papilio marcellus; Pieridae: Colias philodice, Pieris rapae (Rb, Lw), Pontia protodice

Skippers
Hesperiidae: Ancyloxypha numitor, Epargyreus clarus, Erynnis juvenalis, Pholisora catullus, Polites peckius, Polites themistocles fq, Thorybes pylades

Moths
Noctuidae: Anagrapha falcifera

Foodplant / gall
larva of Apion curtisi causes gall of rootstock of Trifolium repens
Remarks: Other: uncertain

Foodplant / internal feeder
larva of Apion fulvipes feeds within inflorescence of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / gall
larva of Apion laevicolle causes gall of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / internal feeder
larva of Apion virens feeds within stem of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

In Great Britain and/or Ireland:
Foodplant / feeds on
pycnidium of Ascochyta coelomycetous anamorph of Ascochyta imperfecta feeds on live stem of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / sap sucker
adult of Berytinus minor sucks sap of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Plant / associate
adult of Bruchidius varius is associated with Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: (late 7-early 10, late 4)5-6

Foodplant / spot causer
amphigenous colony of Cercospora dematiaceous anamorph of Cercospora zebrina causes spots on live leaf of Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: 7-9

Foodplant / sap sucker
nymph of Chlamydatus pullus sucks sap of Trifolium repens
Remarks: Other: uncertain

Foodplant / sap sucker
nymph of Chlamydatus saltitans sucks sap of Trifolium repens
Remarks: Other: uncertain

Foodplant / parasite
stromatic Polythrinium dematiaceous anamorph of Cymadothea trifolii parasitises live leaf of Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: 7-10

Foodplant / parasite
conidial anamorph of Erysiphe trifolii parasitises live Trifolium repens

Foodplant / open feeder
larva of Hypera meles grazes on leaf of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / open feeder
larva of Hypera punctata grazes on leaf of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / spot causer
amphigenous, immersed, roundish, bright blackish-brown pycnidium of Stagonospora coelomycetous anamorph of Leptosphaeria pratensis causes spots on live leaf of Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: 6-9

Foodplant / spot causer
immersed pseudothecium of Leptosphaerulina trifolii causes spots on live leaf of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / miner
larva of Liriomyza congesta mines leaf of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / feeds on
larva of Meligethes nigrescens feeds on Trifolium repens

Foodplant / nest
female of Melitta leporina provisions nest with pollen of Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / parasite
sporangium of Peronospora trifoliorum parasitises live Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / parasite
erumpent apothecium of Pseudopeziza trifolii parasitises live leaf of Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: 4-1

Foodplant / spot causer
mostly hypophyllous colony of Ramularia anamorph of Ramularia sphaeroidea causes spots on leaf of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / pathogen
apothecial Botrytis dematiaceous anamorph of Sclerotinia spermophila infects and damages buried, mummified seed of Trifolium repens

Plant / resting place / among
apothecium of Sclerotinia trifoliorum may be found among Trifolium repens
Remarks: season: 9-11

Foodplant / feeds on
larva of Sitona lepidus feeds on Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / feeds on
larva of Sitona lineellus feeds on Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / feeds on
larva of Sitona puncticollis feeds on Trifolium repens
Other: major host/prey

Foodplant / open feeder
nocturnal larva of Tenthredo arcuata grazes on leaf of Trifolium repens
Other: sole host/prey

Foodplant / open feeder
nocturnal larva of Tenthredo notha grazes on leaf of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / gall
often confluent telium of Uromyces trifolii causes gall of live petiole of Trifolium repens

Foodplant / parasite
uredium of Uromyces trifolii-repentis parasitises live stem of Trifolium repens

Primarily long-tongued bees visit the flowerheads to collect pollen or suck nectar, including bumblebees, honeybees, Mason bees, and Cuckoo bees (Epeoline and Nomadine). Other insect visitors include bee flies, Thick-headed flies, White butterflies, and skippers. The butterflies and skippers are not effective pollinators of clover flowers, however. Because White Clover is an important forage crop and is used in lawns, the insects feeding on the foliage or flowerheads are rather well known. The caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed-Blue), Colias cesonia (Dog-Faced Sulfur), Colias eurytheme (Orange Sulfur), and Colias philodice (Clouded Sulfur) use clovers as a food source. The White Clover is a preferred food source for the caterpillars of the Clouded Sulfur. The caterpillars of many moths feed on clovers (see Moth Table), as does Frankliniella trities (Flower Thrip). The foliage and seedheads are eaten by such upland gamebirds as the Ruffed Grouse, Greater Prairie Chicken, Wild Turkey, and Ring-Necked Pheasant. Some songbirds occasionally eat the seeds, including the Horned Lark and Smith Longspur (winter only). Various small mammals find the foliage and seedpods very attractive as a source of food, including the Cottontail Rabbit, Groundhog, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, and Meadow Vole. Large hoofed animals, such as the White-Tailed Deer, cattle, horses, and sheep, also graze on the foliage of clovers. If it is eaten in large amounts, however, White Clover can be toxic because it contains a glycoside that converts to prussic acid when the foliage is eaten by animals. However, cultivated strains of White Clover have been developed that are without this glycoside. The ecological value of White Clover to wildlife is high. It is also an important source of honey to humans.

Fl.Per.: April-July.

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species. 

 
There are 12 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.
 

Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 11
Species: 16
Species With Barcodes: 1

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

Rounded Global Status Rank: GNR - Not Yet Ranked

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

There are no serious pests of white clover; however, in the South, white clover is susceptible to a number of insect pests, as well as leaf and root diseases.

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective.

The three general types of white clover usually recognized are (1) large, (2) intermediate, and (3) small.

Large type: ‘Ladino’ is the recommended cultivar of the large type. It is two to four times as large as common white clover. It is very well suited to the interior areas of western Oregon, away from the coast. It will winter kill under dry winter conditions, and is susceptible to slug damage. It requires a high soil phosphate level and good management for maximum production. ‘Pilgrim’ and ‘Merit’ have been developed for winter hardiness.

Intermediate type: ‘Grassland Huia’ is representative of the intermediate type. It was formerly designated ‘New Zealand’. It is very well adapted to locations along the coast and interior western Oregon where slugs are a problem.

Small type: “New York’ wild white clover is an example of the small type, which is adapted to higher elevations and colder areas. It is the most drought-resistant type. It is very persistent in pastures, withstands close grazing, and is the least productive of the white clovers. ‘Kent Wild’ white clover is also a small type.

White clover seeds are available at most commercial seed stores.

Management for forage is aimed at maintaining 40% to 50% clover. Close grazing (2 inch stubble height) favors clover, whereas light grazing favors grass. Well-fertilized grass will outgrow clover in fall and winter and could smother the clover.

Spring applications of nitrogen will stimulate grass and provide early feed, but excessive rates are detrimental to the clover stand. Phosphate applications are broadcast in fall or spring according to soil tests. Sulfur, boron, or magnesium may be needed for maximum production on some soils in the western part of white clover’s range.

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site at plants.usda.gov.

Forage: White clover is the most important pasture legume. It is highly palatable, nutritious forage for all classes of livestock. White clover is commonly planted with orchardgrass, ryegrass, or tall fescue. ‘Ladino’ planted with orchardgrass produces the premier forage combination for intensive grazing systems in the Northeast. ‘Ladino’ grows tall enough to be harvested for hay, silage, and green chop. Common white clover seldom grows tall enough to be harvested for hay or silage.

Beautification: White clover is seeded at 2 pounds per acre with grass for stabilization on moist soils. On dry sites it usually establishes only on wet or moist areas.

Wildlife: White clover is a choice food for deer and elk.

Erosion control: Grass seedings benefit from the nitrogen produced by white clover included in the seed mixture. Solid stands of white clover form a good erosion controlling cover on moist fertile soils, but stands may be sparse or spotty on dry sites.

The preference is full or partial sun, mesic conditions, and a soil consisting of loam or clay loam. This plant fixes nitrogen into the soil.