Red Clover
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Genus: Trifolium, Species: Trifolium pratense · Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family) · Compound (trifoliate), deciduous perennial herb
Species
Trifolium pratense
Leaf Type
Compound (trifoliate), deciduous perennial herb
Family
Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical leaflets, appearing in groups of three
Size
Each leaflet is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches long and 0.3 to 0.6 inches wide, consistent with the standard species range.
Margin
Slightly serrulate (fine teeth) to nearly entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Alternate, with leaves and flower heads supported by long petioles/peduncles
Rarity
Very Common; frequently found in agricultural and wild settings.
Color & Pattern
Green base color; leaflets characteristically feature a pale, V-shaped 'watermark' or chevron on the upper surface. Flower is pinkish-purple.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with numerous parallel lateral veins extending to the margin
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (fine, soft hairs) on both the stems and leaf surfaces, giving it a soft feel
Description
A short-lived perennial herb reaching 20–80 cm tall. It features hairy stems and iconic three-parted leaves. The plant produces dense, globe-shaped flower heads consisting of many small, tubular, pinkish-purple florets. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil quality.
Key Features
Trifoliate leaves with a distinct pale V-shaped chevron, hairy stems, and large pink-purple globular flower clusters subtended by a pair of leaves.
Habitat
Found in meadows, pastures, roadsides, and grasslands; prefers well-drained, loamy soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa; widely naturalized across North America and Australia.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears dried/pressed; color has shifted to a deeper olive green and purple, but diagnostic venation and the floral structure remain intact. Health grade: Good (preserved).
Interesting Facts
It is the state flower of Vermont. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, and has a long history of use in both folk medicine and as a high-protein fodder for livestock.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally as a tea for respiratory health and skin conditions. Modern extraction is used for menopause symptoms. It is also an edible garnish and a major source of high-quality hay.
Ecological Role
Vital pollinator plant, especially for bumblebees with long tongues. It facilitates nitrogen fixation via symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil.
Similar Species
White Clover (Trifolium repens), which has white flowers, lacks hairs on stems, and is creeping; Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum), which lacks the V-mark on leaves.
Foraging Tips
Best found in late spring to summer when flowering. Look for the distinct 'V' on the leaf to confirm the species before harvesting blossoms for tea.
Toxicity Warning
Generally safe for humans in moderate amounts, but can cause 'slobbers' in livestock if infected with certain fungi (Rhizoctonia leguminicola). Toxicity rating: Non-toxic for most humans.