Red Clover
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Genus: Trifolium, Species: Trifolium pratense · Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family) · Compound (trifoliate), deciduous herbaceous perennial
Species
Trifolium pratense
Leaf Type
Compound (trifoliate), deciduous herbaceous perennial
Family
Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical leaflets, appearing in groups of three
Size
Individual leaflets are approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches long; total leaf width roughly 2 inches
Margin
Entire to very finely serrulated (almost smooth to the naked eye)
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem; leaflets are sessile or nearly so on a common petiole
Rarity
Very Common; ubiquitous in temperate grassy landscapes
Color & Pattern
Medium green with a characteristic pale, whitish-green 'V' chevron or crescent mark on the upper surface of most leaflets
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with fine parallel secondary veins extending to the margins
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (fine, soft hairs) on both surfaces and along the margins and stems
Description
A short-lived herbaceous perennial growing 20-80 cm tall. It features hairy stems and trifoliate leaves. The specimen shows a dense, globose flower head composed of many small, pink-to-purple tubular florets sitting just above a pair of leaves.
Key Features
Trifoliate leaves with pale V-shaped chevrons; hairy stems; large, globose pinkish-purple flower heads subtended by a pair of leaves
Habitat
Fields, meadows, roadsides, pastures, and disturbed areas; prefers well-drained, loamy soils and full sun
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa; widely naturalized throughout North America and temperate regions globally
Condition Notes
The specimen is a pressed/dried herbarium-style sample. The color has faded slightly due to desiccation but the diagnostic venation and chevron patterns remain visible. Health grade: Good (for a preserved specimen).
Interesting Facts
Red clover is the state flower of Vermont. It has a unique relationship with bumblebees, which are among the few insects with tongues long enough to reach the nectar in the deep florets.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally as a tea for respiratory issues and skin conditions. Contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens) studied for menopause symptoms. High protein content makes it valuable livestock forage.
Ecological Role
Nitrogen-fixer that improves soil quality; vital nectar source for long-tongued bees and butterflies; larval host for several butterfly species.
Similar Species
White Clover (Trifolium repens), which is hairless and has creeping stems; Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum), which lacks the V-shaped leaf mark.
Foraging Tips
Best harvested in late spring or summer when flowers are vibrant. Look for the distinct chevron mark on the leaves to ensure it is not a lookalike legume.
Toxicity Warning
Safe for most humans in moderate amounts; however, it contains coumarins which can turn into dicoumarol (an anticoagulant) if the plant becomes moldy. Toxicity level: Non-toxic (when fresh/properly dried).