{"id":1141,"date":"2026-04-08T02:21:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T02:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/?p=1141"},"modified":"2026-04-08T02:42:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T02:42:28","slug":"clover-plants-explained-edible-medicinal-and-useful-species-across-the-fabaceae-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/clover-plants-explained-edible-medicinal-and-useful-species-across-the-fabaceae-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Clover Plants Explained: Edible, Medicinal, and Useful Species Across the Fabaceae Family"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<p><strong>Clover is not just one plant.<\/strong> The common name \u201cclover\u201d is used for a wide range of species\u2014some closely related, others only loosely connected\u2014that share similar leaves, flowers, or uses. Many belong to the <em>Fabaceae<\/em> (pea family), while a few only resemble clovers in appearance.<\/p>\n<p>This article explains why different plants share the name \u201cclover,\u201d introduces the wider legume family, and explores six important clover species with edible, medicinal, and ecological value.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; padding:15px; margin:20px 0; background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cClover\u201d refers to multiple genera, not just one plant.<\/li>\n<li>Most clovers belong to the Fabaceae (legume) family and fix nitrogen.<\/li>\n<li>True clovers belong to the genus <em>Trifolium<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Some clovers are edible; others are mainly ecological or agricultural plants.<\/li>\n<li>Several species were historically important food plants.<\/li>\n<li>PFAF is expanding its database with hundreds of new and updated species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"toc\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-clover\">What Is Clover?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#fabaceae\">The Fabaceae Family<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pfaf-project\">PFAF\u2019s Expanding Fabaceae Database<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#why-name\">Why Do Different Plants Share the Name Clover?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#species\">Six Important Clover Species<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#trifolium\">The Genus Trifolium<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#uses\">Why Clover Matters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faqs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#glossary\">Glossary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-clover\">What Is Clover?<\/h2>\n<p>Most people recognise clover as a low-growing plant with three leaflets and small rounded flowers. In botanical terms, this description fits the genus <em>Trifolium<\/em>, often called the \u201ctrue clovers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, the common name extends far beyond this genus. Many plants with similar leaves, similar flower structures, or similar uses have also been called clovers. In practice, \u201cclover\u201d is a functional name\u2014based on how plants look and behave\u2014rather than a strict scientific category.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"fabaceae\">The Fabaceae Family: The Legume Connection<\/h2>\n<p>Most clover species belong to the <strong>Fabaceae<\/strong>, or pea family\u2014one of the largest plant families on Earth, with around 19,000 species. (<a href=\"https:\/\/anpsa.org.au\/genera\/legume-family-fabaceae\/\">https:\/\/anpsa.org.au\/genera\/legume-family-fabaceae\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Fabaceae species share several key traits:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Compound leaves, often with multiple leaflets<\/li>\n<li>Pea-like flowers<\/li>\n<li>Seed pods<\/li>\n<li>Symbiotic nitrogen fixation with soil bacteria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This nitrogen-fixing ability makes legumes especially valuable. They naturally improve soil fertility and play a central role in sustainable agriculture, pasture systems, and ecological restoration.<\/p>\n<p>Important genera include <em>Trifolium<\/em>, <em>Medicago<\/em>, <em>Melilotus<\/em>, <em>Desmodium<\/em>, and <em>Dalea<\/em>\u2014many of which contain species commonly called clover.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pfaf-project\">PFAF\u2019s Expanding Database<\/h2>\n<p>Plants For A Future (PFAF) continues to expand its global plant database to better reflect the importance of useful plant families such as Fabaceae.<\/p>\n<p>A major current initiative\u2014<strong>Major Southwest Expansion: 946 New and Updated Plants Coming to the Database<\/strong>\u2014is adding and refining hundreds of species, particularly those adapted to dryland and climate-stressed environments.  (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/pfaf-announces-major-southwest-expansion-946-new-and-updated-plants-coming-to-the-database\/\">https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/pfaf-announces-major-southwest-expansion-946-new-and-updated-plants-coming-to-the-database\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>This project introduces <strong>946 new and updated plant entries<\/strong>, with detailed information on edible uses, traditional knowledge, ecology, and practical cultivation. <\/p>\n<p>As part of this work, <strong>57 Fabaceae species are being added or updated<\/strong>, significantly strengthening coverage of one of the most important plant families for food systems, soil health, and regenerative land use.<\/p>\n<p>This expansion is particularly valuable for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Climate-resilient food forest design<\/li>\n<li>Dryland and Mediterranean gardening systems<\/li>\n<li>Ecological restoration and carbon farming<\/li>\n<li>Indigenous and traditional food knowledge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For clover and clover-like plants, this means improved data on edible potential, safety, identification, and real-world usability\u2014moving beyond simple plant lists toward practical, field-ready knowledge.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-name\">Why Do Different Plants Share the Name Clover?<\/h2>\n<p>The shared name \u201cclover\u201d comes from three main similarities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Trifoliate leaves<\/strong> \u2013 Many species have three leaflets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Similar flowers<\/strong> \u2013 Small, clustered, pea-like blooms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shared uses<\/strong> \u2013 Forage, soil improvement, and ground cover.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because of this, plants that look and function like clovers are often called clovers\u2014even when they belong to different genera. In rare cases, the resemblance is purely visual, as with water clover, which is actually a fern.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"species\">Six Important Clover Species<\/h2>\n<h3>1. White Prairie Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea+candida\"><em>Dalea candida<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>This North American native is valued for prairie restoration and soil health. The root has been used as a food source, though it is not a staple crop.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Root (limited use)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Prairie restoration, nitrogen cycling<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> Not a true clover<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. Toothed Bur-Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Medicago+polymorpha\"><em>Medicago polymorpha<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>A widespread and practical plant, bur-clover produces edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, and is widely used in pasture systems.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Leaves, shoots, seeds<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Ground cover, forage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Tick-Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Desmodium+cinereum\"><em>Desmodium cinereum<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>Primarily a functional plant, this species is used in agroforestry systems for soil improvement and erosion control.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Minimal<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Nitrogen-rich mulch, carbon farming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. Red Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+pratense\"><em>Trifolium pratense<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>A classic clover species used in agriculture and herbal traditions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Leaves and flowers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medicinal:<\/strong> Widely used in herbal preparations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Pollinator support, soil fertility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. White Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+repens\"><em>Trifolium repens<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most familiar clovers, common in lawns and pastures worldwide.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Leaves, flowers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Ground cover, nitrogen fixation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>6. Springbank Clover (<a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+fimbriatum\"><em>Trifolium fimbriatum<\/em><\/a>)<\/h3>\n<p>A historically important food plant, cultivated by Indigenous communities for its edible roots.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edible:<\/strong> Roots<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key role:<\/strong> Traditional food crop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"trifolium\">The Genus Trifolium: True Clovers<\/h2>\n<p>The genus <em>Trifolium<\/em> represents the true clovers and contains hundreds of species worldwide. The name means \u201cthree-leaved,\u201d referring to the characteristic leaf structure.<\/p>\n<p>These plants are central to pasture systems, pollinator habitats, and soil-building strategies. Some species are also edible or medicinal, making the genus one of the most useful plant groups in temperate ecosystems.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"uses\">Why Clover Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Clover species are small, but their impact is large. They play a key role in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Soil health:<\/strong> Natural nitrogen enrichment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agriculture:<\/strong> Essential forage crops<\/li>\n<li><strong>Biodiversity:<\/strong> Support for pollinators<\/li>\n<li><strong>Food systems:<\/strong> Edible leaves, flowers, and roots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As plant knowledge expands\u2014especially through projects focused on climate-resilient species\u2014clovers and their relatives are becoming increasingly important in sustainable landscape design.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>Are all clovers edible?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Some are edible, while others are mainly used for ecological or agricultural purposes.<\/p>\n<h3>What is a \u201ctrue clover\u201d?<\/h3>\n<p>A plant in the genus <em>Trifolium<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h3>Why are clovers important?<\/h3>\n<p>They improve soil fertility, support pollinators, and provide forage.<\/p>\n<h3>Is water clover a real clover?<\/h3>\n<p>No. It is a fern with clover-like leaves.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\"><br \/>\n{<br \/>\n\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",<br \/>\n\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",<br \/>\n\"mainEntity\": [<br \/>\n{<br \/>\n\"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n\"name\": \"Are all clovers edible?\",<br \/>\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n\"text\": \"No. Some are edible, while others are mainly used for ecological or agricultural purposes.\"<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n},<br \/>\n{<br \/>\n\"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n\"name\": \"What is a true clover?\",<br \/>\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n\"text\": \"A plant in the genus Trifolium.\"<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n]<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"glossary\">Glossary<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fabaceae:<\/strong> The legume family.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trifoliate:<\/strong> Having three leaflets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nitrogen fixation:<\/strong> Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into soil nutrients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forage:<\/strong> Plant material eaten by grazing animals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agroforestry:<\/strong> Combining trees and crops in one system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-4\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-4\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><strong>Scientific Name<\/strong><\/span><\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><strong><span style=\"color:#1155CC;\"><strong><u>Common Name<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><strong>Habit<\/strong><\/span><\/th><th class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#1155CC;\"><strong><u>Edible Rating<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/th><th class=\"column-5\"><strong><span style=\"color:#1155CC;\"><strong><u>Medicinal<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#1155CC;\"><strong><u>Other Rating<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea%20candida\"><u>Dalea candida<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">White Prairie Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea%20candida%20oligophylla\"><u>Dalea candida oligophylla<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">White Prairie Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea%20lanata\"><u>Dalea lanata<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Woolly Prairie-Clover, Woolly Parosella<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea%20lasiathera\"><u>Dalea lasiathera<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Pecos prairie-clover, Purple Prairie-clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea%20purpurea\"><u>Dalea purpurea<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Purple Prairie Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Desmodium%20cinereum\"><u>Desmodium cinereum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Rensoni. Tickclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Desmodium%20uncinatum\"><u>Desmodium uncinatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Silverleaf desmodium. Spanish tick-clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Kummerowia%20stipulacea\"><u>Kummerowia stipulacea<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Korean Lespedeza, Korean clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Kummerowia%20striata\"><u>Kummerowia striata<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Common Lespedeza, Japanese clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Marsilea%20mutica\"><u>Marsilea mutica<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Nardoo, Australian Water-Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Fern<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Marsilea%20quadrifolia\"><u>Marsilea quadrifolia<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Water Clover, European waterclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Fern<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Medicago%20polymorpha\"><u>Medicago polymorpha<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Toothed Bur-Clover, Burclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20altissimus\"><u>Melilotus altissimus<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Tall Melilot, Tall yellow sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Biennial\/Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20elegans\"><u>Melilotus elegans<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Elegant sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20indicus\"><u>Melilotus indicus<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual Yellow Sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20officinalis\"><u>Melilotus officinalis<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Melilot, Sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual\/Biennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20suaveolens\"><u>Melilotus suaveolens<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual\/Biennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Melilotus%20wolgicus\"><u>Melilotus wolgicus<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Sweetclover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Biennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\"><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20bifidum\"><u>Trifolium bifidum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Pi\u00f1ole Clover, Notchleaf clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20ciliatum\"><u>Trifolium ciliatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Foothill Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-22\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20cyathiferum\"><u>Trifolium cyathiferum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Cup Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-23\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20dichotomum\"><u>Trifolium dichotomum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Branched Indian Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-24\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20dubium\"><u>Trifolium dubium<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Suckling Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-25\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20fimbriatum\"><u>Trifolium fimbriatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Springbank Clover, Cows clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-26\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20fucatum\"><u>Trifolium fucatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Sour Clover, Bull clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-27\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20gracilentum\"><u>Trifolium gracilentum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Pin-Point Clover, Palmer's clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-28\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20hybridum\"><u>Trifolium hybridum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Alsike Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-29\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20incarnatum\"><u>Trifolium incarnatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Crimson Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-30\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20lupinaster\"><u>Trifolium lupinaster<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Lupine clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-31\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20macrocephalum\"><u>Trifolium macrocephalum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Bighead Clover, Largehead clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-32\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20microcephalum\"><u>Trifolium microcephalum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Smallhead Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-33\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20obtusiflorum\"><u>Trifolium obtusiflorum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Clammy Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-34\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20ornithopodioides\"><u>Trifolium ornithopodioides<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Birdsfoot Fenugreek, Bird clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual\/Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-35\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20pratense\"><u>Trifolium pratense<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Red Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-36\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20repens\"><u>Trifolium repens<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">White Clover, Dutch Clover, Purple Dutch Clover, Shamrock, White Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-37\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20subterraneum\"><u>Trifolium subterraneum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Subterranean Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-38\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20tridentatum\"><u>Trifolium tridentatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Tomcat Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-39\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20variegatum\"><u>Trifolium variegatum<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Whitetip Clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Annual<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Low<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-40\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/user\/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium%20wormskioldii\"><u>Trifolium wormskioldii<\/u><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Cow clover<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Perennial<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">None<\/span><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><span style=\"color:#212529;\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-4 from cache -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clover is not just one plant. The common name \u201cclover\u201d is used for a wide range of species\u2014some closely related, others only loosely connected\u2014that share similar leaves, flowers, or uses. Many belong to the Fabaceae (pea family), while a few only resemble clovers in appearance. This article explains why different plants share the name \u201cclover,\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1146,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,46,21,3,5,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carbon-farming","category-edible-groundcover","category-edible-weeds","category-forest-gardening","category-plants","category-projects"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1141"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1158,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1141\/revisions\/1158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pfaf.org\/plants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}