Red Clover

What it is

Trifolium pratense, the red clover, is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find Red Clover in fields, meadows, lawns, and along roadsides all across the United States.

How to find it

Look for its round, purplish-pink flower heads and leaves with three leaflets, often with a pale V-shape on each leaf.

Best time of day

Spring through fall during the daytime.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight and nutrients from the soil.

What eats it

Bees, butterflies, rabbits, deer, livestock.

Worth knowing

• Red Clover is often grown by farmers to help their fields.
• Sometimes you can find a rare four-leaf clover!
• It is part of the pea family.
• The flowers can be used to make tea.
• Its scientific name means 'three leaves' (Trifolium) and 'meadow' (pratense).
• Bumblebees love to drink nectar from Red Clover flowers.

Why it matters

Red Clover helps make the soil healthy by adding nutrients. Many animals also eat its leaves and flowers.