Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Trifolium pratense is known by the common name Red Clover; another of the approximately five Trifolium species that grow in this area. This is a different species from Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum). Red Clover is pink; Crimson Clover is red. I’ve usually only seen this plant in roadside areas that are not tended; in Monroe in Walton County and along the roadside in Dawson County in north Georgia. I did see one plant growing in a lawn area in front of a commercial business in Monroe; it was a specimen plant that was allowed to complete its blooming before it was mowed. I regret not having stopped and photographing it.

The flowers are a dullish pink from a distance. However, examination of the individual flowerlets reveals that they are a delicate pink with a darker veining; they are very pretty. The leaves of this species have a pale crescent pattern on the upper side.

A bud developing.

A flower head, not completely developed. The characteristic pale crescent patch on the leaf shape is visible in this photograph.

A close up of a completely developed flower head composed of many small individual flowerlets.

A close up on flowerlets showing the darker veining.

Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) is native to Europe. It grows throughout the United States and Canada.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Trifolium pratense (Red Clover)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Trifolium pratense

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
- Alabama Plants: Trifolium pratense
- Wikipedia: Trifolium pratense

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index
- Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens)
- Rabbitfoot Clover (Trifolium arvense)
- Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum)