White Clover, Dutch Clover
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Genus: Trifolium, Species: Trifolium repens · Fabaceae (Legume/Pea family) · Compound, Palmately trifoliate; Deciduous to semi-evergreen
Species
Trifolium repens
Leaf Type
Compound, Palmately trifoliate; Deciduous to semi-evergreen
Family
Fabaceae (Legume/Pea family)
Shape
Obovate to cordate leaflets; typically three leaflets (rarely four)
Size
Leaflets are 0.5-1.0 inches long; petiole is elongated (2-6 inches), matching the specimen's long stalk
Margin
Finely serrulate (minutely toothed) along the edges
Arrangement
Alternate or basal-like from creeping stolons
Rarity
Very Common; ubiquitous in temperate urban and rural landscapes
Color & Pattern
Deep green with a distinctive pale V-shaped mark (watermark) on the upper surface of each leaflet
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation within each leaflet, with lateral veins ending at the serrations
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) on both surfaces; thin and papery when dried
Description
A low-growing perennial herb that spreads via stolons (runners). It features round white flower heads and trifoliate leaves that form a dense groundcover.
Key Features
White V-shaped mark on leaflets, hairless stems, and flower heads that turn brown and droop after blooming
Habitat
Lawns, pastures, fields, and disturbed roadsides; prefers sun and moist, well-drained soil
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and Central Asia; widely naturalized across North America, Australia, and New Zealand
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the leaf appears slightly wilted with some darkening, likely due to being detached and stored
Interesting Facts
The 'Four-Leaf Clover' is a rare genetic mutation of this specific species and is considered a symbol of good luck
Medicinal & Uses
Used as a high-protein forage for livestock, a cover crop for nitrogen fixation, and occasionally in herbal teas
Ecological Role
Vital nitrogen fixer that improves soil health; primary nectar source for honeybees and bumblebees
Similar Species
Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) which is larger and hairier; Oxalis (Wood Sorrel) which has heart-shaped leaflets without the V-mark
Foraging Tips
Look in residential lawns that aren't treated with herbicides; the white globe-shaped flowers are the best field indicator
Toxicity Warning
Safe for humans in small quantities, but can cause bloating in livestock if consumed excessively. Rare cases of cyanide production (cyanogenesis) exist in specific wild populations.