Trifolium pratense (red clover)

Trifolium pratense basal leaves

Leaf type: Trifoliate with three leaflets, leaflets oval or ovate to lanceolate
Phyllotaxis: Alternate, rosette-shaped (basal leaves)
Colour: Green with light green spots

Leaf (upper side)

Red clover leaf
Trifoliate basal leaf.
Trifolium pratense basal leaves in spring
Habitus/basal leaves in spring.
Trifolium pratense upper leaves
The leaves on the upper stem are narrower than the basal leaves.

Leaf (underside)

Trifolium pratense leaf underside

Trifolium pratense leaf veins
Stem and leaf veins.

Cotyledons

Trifolium pratense cotyledons

Habitus & biology

When in flower, Trifolium pratense can reach heights of up to 30 centimetres. It grows as a biennial to perennial and in mild regions also shows some basal leaves in winter. Its main flowering period in Central Europe lasts from May to August; in locations that are mown, it can flower until November.

Red clover habitus in spring
Habitus in spring (May).

Distribution & habitates

Eurasia, North Africa and as an introduced species also in Australia, New Zealand, North America and South America (source).

Red clover grows in meadows, pastures, lawns, along roadsides, on dams and embankments.

Red clover in meadow
Red clover in a meadow. Here in Germany it is also known as “meadow clover”.

Botany

Trifolium pratense is a member of the Fabaceae family.

Trifolium pratense red clover

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