White Clover

Scientific Name: Trifolium repens
Family Name: Fabaceae



Flower: White Clover has white flowers in a rounded head shape that are ¾ inches (2 cm.) wide. Each flower head contains 20-40 individual flowers, which are ¼ to ½ inches (6 -13 mm.) long. As the season progresses, the flowers turn brown.

Leaf: Compound, Ovate leaves ¾ - 1 inch (2 - 2.5 cm) long.

Plant: White Clover grows from May to October and reaches a height of 4-10 inches (10 - 25 cm.)

Identifying Characteristics: The leaflets of the White Clover are banded white, and they are rounder than other species of clover. White Clover can be distinguished from the very similar Red Clover by its white flower head.

Location: White Clover grows ubiquitously, but the flower pictured here was growing between the Gosman Sports Center and the tennis courts behind the sports center at the Brandeis University Campus.

History and Comments: White Clover was introduced to the United States from Europe, and it is very common in lawns. White Clover is very hardy and will grow back even if it is mowed very closely. Its seeds have very hard exteriors, which can survive dormant for long periods of time and help it to spread.
    Unless otherwise specified, all text, photographs, and drawings are Copyright (c) by Shu-Yee Chen and Deborah Hamer 2003. No part of this page may be reproduced without prior written consent of the authors.