Clover is one of the most emblematic and well-known wild herbs in the world., both for its traditional uses and for its fascinating biology and the symbolism attributed to it. Although it's often considered a "weed" when it colonizes gardens and crops, clover hides enormous wealth from an ecological, agronomic, medicinal, and cultural perspective. Below, you'll discover absolutely everything about clover: its characteristics, varieties, properties, history, agricultural importance, edible and medicinal uses, significance in popular culture, and detailed advice for its cultivation and control.
What is clover? Definition and general appearance
Clover is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the genus Trifolium, within the Fabaceae or Legume family.There are more than 250 recognized species within this genus, although some sources raise the number to around 300 due to the appearance of subspecies and botanical varieties. The most recognizable characteristic of clovers is that Its leaves are traditionally divided into three small leaflets., hence its name (sorting- "three" and -folium "leaf" in Latin).
The size of the clover varies according to the species.. The most common, trifolium repens (white clover), does not usually exceed 10 cm in height and has creeping stems that root at the nodes. Other species, such as violet clover (Trifolium pratense), can reach between 40 and 60 cm, and have more erect and hairy stems.
Clover flowers are grouped in globose or spike-shaped inflorescences., with dozens or even more than a hundred small papilionaceous flowers, which can be white, yellow, pink, purple, or red, depending on the species. After flowering, they produce pod-like fruits containing one to four small, rounded seeds. Thanks to its rapid germination and high seed production, clover is able to rapidly colonize open areas.
On the underside of the leaves of most species, a whitish or light-colored spot usually appears. This spot is typical of the most widespread species, such as white clover, and is an important clue as to its field identification.
Distribution, habitat and ecology of clover
Clover is a cosmopolitan plant. It grows wild in almost all temperate and subtropical regions of the planet.It is found in Europe, Asia, North America, northern Africa and parts of Oceania, although it is much less common in Australia.
It adapts to a wide variety of environments, from alpine meadows and wet grasslands to roadsides, meadows, urban lawns, gardens, riverbanks, and disturbed soils. It prefers soils with good moisture, rich in organic matter, and areas where temperatures are not extremely high or low for long periods. It is able to grow even in acidic, sandy, and nutrient-poor soils, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium).
Clover plays a vital ecological role: improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, prevents erosion with its dense, creeping growth, constitutes an essential food for bees and other pollinating insects, and provides refuge for small invertebrates.
Morphological characteristics: leaf, flower and root
- Sheets: They are usually trifoliate, with three oval or obovate leaflets. They often have a light V-shaped or crescent-shaped spot. In some mutations, such as clovers with 4, 5, or more leaves, additional leaflets appear (genetic mutation or environmental stress).
- Stems: In species such as trifolium repens, the stems are creeping and rooting at the nodes, while in others, such as Trifolium pratense, are erect and sometimes hairy.
- Flowers: Grouped in globose heads or racemes, each inflorescence can have between 30 and 200 small flowers. Colors range from pure white to yellow and all kinds of pinks and purples. They are papilionaceous flowers, highly prized by bees and other pollinators.
- Root: The root system of clovers is highly branched, with primary roots and numerous adventitious roots. These roots have nodules in which bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and transform it into usable nitrogen.
Main species and varieties of clover
The genus Trifolium comprises hundreds of species, although only a few concentrate the majority of agricultural, forage or ornamental uses.These are the most relevant:
- trifolium repens (white or creeping clover): A perennial plant with trailing stems, widely used in meadows and lawns. Its flowers are white or light pink. It is the most common and recognizable species in gardens and fields. It tolerates trampling and frequent mowing.
- Trifolium pratense (purple or red clover): A perennial or biennial plant with an erect growth habit, hairy stems, and globose pink or violet flowers. It is highly prized as a protein-rich forage and as a medicinal plant for its isoflavone content.
- trifolium incarnatum (scarlet clover): Characterized by its intense red flowers on conical spikes. Used as a green manure and beekeeping plant.
- trifolium arvense (hare's clover): An annual, pubescent plant with cylindrical, whitish-pink inflorescences. It tolerates sandy and dry soils.
- Campestre trfolium (golden or field clover): Annual herb with yellow flowers gathered in globose heads.
- Clover doubt (yellow clover): Small, annual plant with yellow flowers.
- trifolium fragiferum (strawberry clover): Inflorescences resembling small pink strawberries.
There are also varieties of white clover They vary in size and use, adapting to different agricultural or ornamental needs. To learn more about the characteristics of the varieties, you can visit This guide to white clover and its varieties.
The 4-leaf clover and other genetic curiosities
The famous four-leaf clover is a botanical rarity resulting from a genetic mutation. (it can also be due to environmental stress), which mainly affects trifolium repensIn nature, it is estimated that there is one four-leaf clover for every 10.000 three-leaf clovers.
This mutation can be enhanced with special care under controlled cultivation, resulting in clovers with up to five or even dozens of leaves. The documented record for a single clover is over 50 leaves.
From a symbolic point of view, The 4-leaf clover represents faith, love, hope and luckIn some traditions, the leaves symbolize health, wealth, love, and fame. It is considered an amulet and features in numerous legends.
From a scientific point of view, the mutation is usually mediated by recessive genes and can be induced using laboratory techniques or greenhouse selection.
Agricultural importance and forage use
Clover is one of the most valued forage plants for animal feed, especially in temperate and humid climates. It is grown in mixed meadows alongside grasses, as it provides:
- High-quality protein and minerals for cattle, sheep and goats.
- Natural nitrogen fixation in the soil, enriching pastures and facilitating the growth of associated grasses.
- High palatability and digestibility, especially in the cooler months.
- Rapid production and vigorous regrowth after grazing, thanks to its stoloniferous system.
Forage production of white clover It can contain between 9 and 15 tons of dry matter per hectare in mixtures with grasses. Its pure use is less common, as it can cause bloating in livestock if consumed in excess, so it is always recommended in combination with other species.
Clover is also mown to obtain hay and can be used as green manure, improving the structure and fertility of poor soils.
Nutritional characteristics and composition of clover
Clover is an edible plant for both animals and humans.Its leaves, flowers and tender shoots can be used in cooking, especially in salads, soups or infusions.
The detailed composition of nutrients and phytocomponents of the clover includes:
- Vitamins: vitamin C in the flowers, niacin and thiamine, choline.
- Minerals: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, selenium, chromium, cobalt, sodium.
- Essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, threonine, valine, leucine, lysine, methionine and serine.
- Phenolic compounds and antioxidants: flavonoids, isoflavones (especially in red clover), salicylic and caffeic acids, eugenol, formononetin.
- Vegetable fiber and natural pigments.
Red clover stands out especially for its abundance of isoflavones with estrogenic activity, which is why it is used as a natural supplement during menopause and in the prevention of bone and cardiovascular problems.
Medicinal properties and use in phytotherapy
Clover has been traditionally used in folk medicine both internally and externally:
- Treatment of colds, bronchitis, laryngitis (flower infusion).
- Relief from inflammation, rheumatic pain and fever.
- Digestive calming, antidiarrheal and antiemetic.
- Skin care: compresses and baths for eczema, wounds, dermatitis, and sores.
- During menopause, red clover is considered useful for alleviating hot flashes and associated symptoms, thanks to its phytoestrogenic isoflavones.
- Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties (purifies the blood and helps reduce cholesterol).
It's important to emphasize that, although clover is considered safe in dietary doses, self-medication with concentrated preparations should be done under medical supervision, especially for people on hormone therapy or with chronic illnesses.
Human consumption: safe methods and recipes
White clover and red clover are edible in all its tender parts. The following can be used:
- Fresh leaves: in salads, as a vegetable, in omelets or soups.
- Flowers: to decorate dishes, make relaxing and aromatic infusions, jams and syrups.
- Sprouts: as edible sprouts, source of vitamins and minerals.
- Seeds: can be toasted and ground as a partial substitute for flour.
In ethnobotany, certain species of clover were also used to obtain natural yellow dyes from flowers.
Cultural significance, symbolism and curiosities
The shamrock is one of the great symbols of Irish and Celtic culture.According to tradition, Saint Patrick used a three-leaf clover to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish, which is why the shamrock is the national emblem of Ireland and a featured feature in festivities such as Saint Patrick's Day.
The four-leaf clover is considered bringer of good luck and protects against adversity: each leaf is associated with faith, hope, love, and luck. In other variations, the leaves represent health, money, love, and fame.
It is also associated with fertility and abundance in many popular cultures. Its spontaneous appearance after ground disturbances is interpreted as regenerating life and the landscape.
Clover and biodiversity: importance for fauna and flora
Clover is a a fundamental plant for biodiversity in agricultural and natural environments:
- Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, bumblebees and butterflies, contributing to pollination and the production of high-quality honey.
- It is used as food by many wild and farm animals: rabbits, deer, birds and, especially, domestic livestock.
- Act like ground protection plant, covering the ground, preventing erosion and improving water infiltration.
- Its deep, dense roots promote soil aeration and the activity of beneficial organisms.
How to grow and care for clover
- Planting time: In spring or early summer, once the late frosts have passed. Nighttime temperatures above 4°C are ideal.
- Location: Full sun or partial shade. Clovers flower more and maintain their best appearance with at least 4-6 hours of direct light.
- Substratum: Universal, well-aerated and well-drained. Moderately moist soil, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (pH 6-6,5 ideal).
- Sowing: Spread the small seeds superficially, barely covering them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid displacing the seeds.
- Irrigation: Keep the substrate slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging. Tray watering is recommended for germination.
- Transplant: When the seedlings have several pairs of leaves, transplant them into individual pots or to their final location in the garden, spacing them about 10 cm apart.
- Pruning and maintenance: It doesn't require pruning; simply remove faded leaves or flowers to encourage regrowth. Clover tends to spread vigorously.
- Fertilization: It is rarely necessary, although it responds well to fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium. It prevents excess nitrogen, as it naturally fixes it and can encourage competing weeds.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of clover in the garden and lawn?
Advantages:
- It covers soil quickly, preventing erosion and the appearance of weeds.
- Enriches the soil with nitrogen.
- Resists trampling and frequent mowing.
- It requires less water and care than traditional grass.
- Good ally of grasses in mixtures for ornamental and functional meadows.
Disadvantages:
- Invasive tendency if not controlled: it can displace other less competitive species.
- In humid or shaded areas, it can promote fungi.
- Its texture can be slippery, so it is not recommended for sports areas or near swimming pools.
- In large quantities, certain species can cause bloating or meteorism in cattle.
How to control and eliminate clover if necessary?
If clover becomes an unwanted invader in your lawn or vegetable garden, there are several techniques:
- Turf Improvement: Keep your lawn vigorous, well-watered, and nourished to prevent bare areas where clover can take hold.
- Manual removal: Pull out clover from the roots before flowering to prevent it from multiplying.
- Selective herbicides: Broadleaf weeds can eliminate clover without damaging the lawn, although their use is only recommended if there is a significant infestation and they are compatible with the grass type.
- Natural medicine: Spray white vinegar on the clover areas, applying it precisely so as not to damage other nearby plants.
Clover and toxicity: precautions for people and animals
Clover is harmless to most people and animals in normal amounts. However, excessive consumption in ruminant animals (especially trifolium repens y Trifolium pratense) can cause gas buildup and digestive problems (flatulence). Some species (sweet, yellow, and white clover) can be potentially toxic to livestock in large quantities.
In human use, clover is nontoxic in normal dietary doses. Moderation is recommended when using concentrated supplements (for example, during menopause), and always consult a specialist if pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing medication.
