White Clover - Trifolium repens L.

White Clover has a shallow tap root which may grow to a depth of at least 1m and has very shallow crowns. It produces above ground creeping stems called stolons that root at the node permitting individual plants to spread over a large area. White Clover is a short-to-long lived perennial. The flowers are predominantly white, but are sometimes tinged with pink. Although White Clover is moderately winter hardy, it can persist for long periods through natural reseeding or through the rooting of young stolons. White clover varieties are separated by type according to leaf size. There are three general types of White Clover. The larger leaved taller growing Ladino type is the only white clover suitable for hay production. The intermediate type would include the white clover imported from New Zealand and Australia used for reclamation and pasture. The small leaved "white dutch" clover is better adapted to higher elevations and is more drought resistant. A new Micro Clover has been developed for use in lawns. Its tiny leaves are more inconspicuous in the turf than other white clovers. The nitrogen fixing capability and drought tolerance of the Micro Clover are excellent attributes and when mixed with fine fescue produces a very low maintenance lawn.

 

Back to Species Listings