Egyptian clover
trifolium alexandrinum
Also known as: ["Berseem clover","Egyptian clover"]
Overview
A leguminous annual plant native to Egypt, widely cultivated for forage and green manure.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Trifolium |
| Botanical Name: | Trifolium alexandrinum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in temperate climates, or greenhouse in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when plants become overgrown.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to full sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to protect from excessive heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in intense summer heat; avoid direct sun on young plants.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Maintain even soil moisture; avoid waterlogging; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and crumbly; avoid compacted soil; test pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers mild to warm temperatures (60–85°F or 15–29°C). Thrives in Mediterranean climates with cool winters and warm summers.
Use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in winter; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer at half-strength to avoid burning roots; water before fertilizing to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Maintain moisture.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for optimal root development.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 7–14 days; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, rooting hormone, 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 leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or diseased foliage to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dry weather; remove only damaged or unnecessary growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; replant in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot annually or when roots fill the container to prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry slightly before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Reduce watering after harvest to avoid fungal issues. Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or poor flowering in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback if below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection with row covers or mulch. Plant in sheltered locations to minimize cold exposure.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower abortion, and reduced pod set.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide shade during peak heat; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicTrifolium alexandrinum is considered slightly toxic to cats, primarily due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset from high protein content and possible nitrate accumulation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile Trifolium alexandrinum is not highly toxic to dogs, ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to its high protein content and potential nitrate levels.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicTrifolium alexandrinum, commonly known as Egyptian clover, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many legumes, it contains compounds that can cause issues if consumed in excessive amounts, particularly due to its high protein content and potential for nitrate accumulation in certain conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Trifolium alexandrinum safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use Egyptian clover as a cover crop?
A: Yes, it is commonly used as a green manure and cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Q: Does Egyptian clover attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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