Red Clover

trifolium pratense

Also known as: ["Red Clover","Wild Clover","Honey Clover"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Trifolium Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant in the legume family, known for its trifoliate leaves and pinkish-red flower heads.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","medicinal use"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Trifolium
Botanical Name: Trifolium pratense

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or meadow, prefers open spaces
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; after flowering or when plant appears overgrown.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.

Protect from frost; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize in spring and summer; reduce or stop in fall and winter; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be used.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds or take cuttings.
  2. Provide warmth and humidity.
  3. Transplant once established.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, rooting hormone, pruning shears, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster germination; thin seedlings as needed.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead or yellowing leaves; trim back straggly stems to maintain shape.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; remove dead foliage; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing conditions.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors; use frost cloth for protection.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Trifolium pratense can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be caused by water stress, pests, or diseases like root rot or bacterial wilt.

Wilting in Trifolium pratense is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering leading to root suffocation. It can also result from root damage or pathogenic infections.

Leaf spots on Trifolium pratense are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, such as Anthracnose or bacterial blight, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation.

Rotting in Trifolium pratense, particularly root or crown rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium or Rhizoctonia, often exacerbated by excessive moisture and poor drainage.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Red clover is not considered toxic to cats. It is generally safe for cats to come into contact with or consume small amounts of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

If a cat consumes a large quantity of red clover, observe for any signs of digestive upset and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Red clover is not considered toxic to dogs. It is often found in pastures and is typically safe for dogs to consume in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Monitor your dog if they consume large amounts of red clover, as excessive intake could potentially cause mild digestive upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and estrogenic effects.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While generally safe, excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Consult a healthcare professional before using it medicinally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Red Clover edible?

A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of Red Clover are edible and often used in salads or teas.

Q: Does Red Clover attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Red Clover is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Can Red Clover be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Red Clover can be grown in containers, but it prefers to spread in open ground.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, or when top
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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