Ruqayyah Snyder
Clover is a common plant that is often seen in Australian gardens, where it is usually considered a weed. It is a perennial plant that grows all year round and can withstand repeated cutting and poor conditions. There are several types of clover, including red clover, white clover, sweet clover, and bird's foot trefoil. While clover is considered a weed in many parts of Australia, it is also cultivated as a pasture legume, particularly in the cooler and more temperate regions of the country. It is also used as a cover crop or green manure to improve soil fertility and nitrogen fixation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Trifolium spp. |
| Genus | Clover |
| Species | Trifolium repens (White Clover), Trifolium pratense (Red Clover), Melilotus spp. (Sweet Clover), Lotus corniculatus (Bird's Foot Trefoil) |
| Common Name | Clover Weed, White Clover, Red Clover, Sweet Clover, Bird's Foot Trefoil, Eggs and Bacon, Ground Honeysuckle |
| Origin | Europe, Central Asia, Northern Asia |
| Habitat in Australia | Temperate areas with medium to high rainfall, Southern and Eastern Australia, Victoria, ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Lord Howe Island |
| Climate Preference | Temperate, cool, moist, well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.8 to 7 |
| Growth Pattern | Perennial, dense, low-growing mat of foliage, up to a metre wide |
| Leaf Characteristics | Three lobed leaves or leaflets, lightly serrated edges, pale green or white "V" shape, three leaflets per leaf, each 15-30mm long and 8-15mm wide |
| Flower Characteristics | White, pink, purple, yellow, or orange flowers in globular clusters |
| Root System | Shallow, dense, adventitious roots at nodes |
| Benefits | Fodder for livestock, soil revitalisation, green manure, nitrogen fixation, biodiversity, weed suppression, pollination |
| Drawbacks | Considered a weed, hosts pests like red-legged earth mite and light brown apple moth, prone to root rot |
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What You'll Learn
White clover is a common weed in Australian gardens and lawns
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a common weed in Australian gardens and lawns. It is a herbaceous perennial legume native to Europe and Central Asia, but has since been introduced and naturalised worldwide. In Australia, white clover is most commonly found in the southern and eastern states, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and southeastern Queensland. It is well-suited to the cooler, temperate climates of these regions, where it thrives in moist conditions with adequate rainfall.
White clover is a resilient plant that can grow in a range of soil types, even those that are considered infertile. However, it requires a decent level of phosphorus in the soil to grow, which can be provided through fertilisation. It is often used as a "living mulch" in gardens and orchards, as it grows well in shaded, moist areas and its dense root system helps to prevent erosion and suppress weeds. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen into the soil benefits neighbouring plants.
White clover is also commonly used in pastures across Australia, particularly in cooler regions. It is valued for its high forage production and ability to withstand heavy grazing, making it ideal for livestock feed. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate high traffic and adverse conditions, including heavy cutting or grazing. A single clover plant can spread up to a metre wide, forming a dense mat of creeping stems that can be challenging to remove once established.
While white clover offers many benefits, it can also be a nuisance in lawns and gardens, competing with grass for nutrients and water and spreading aggressively. It is known to host destructive pests such as the red-legged earth mite and the light brown apple moth. As a result, it is often deliberately added to commercial grass seed mixes to help establish lawns in challenging environments. However, its robust qualities make it persistent and tough to eradicate when it becomes a weed.
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Clover is a perennial, presenting itself all year round
Clover is a perennial plant, meaning it grows all year round. It is commonly regarded as a weed in Australia, as it appears where it is not wanted, such as in lawns and flower beds. It is a nuisance due to its ability to spread and cover a very large area with a mat of creeping stems. The botanical name for the genus clover is Trifolium spp., which provides a clue as to how to identify it. The name derives from the Latin 'tres', meaning three, and 'folium', meaning leaf. Therefore, clover weeds usually have three-lobed leaves, with the occasional rare four-leaf clover.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a herbaceous perennial legume that is now used worldwide in forage production. It is commonly cultivated as a pasture legume, particularly in the cooler parts of Australia, such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. It is well-suited to the southern regions of Australia, which experience medium to high rainfall. It is also a fantastic choice for anyone with livestock to feed, as it produces a lot of forage and has a very high feed value. White clover is a hardy plant that will grow in infertile soils, tolerating high traffic and heavy grazing. It is often recommended as a "living mulch" between rows of trees, vegetables, or fruit bushes, as its dense root system prevents erosion and suppresses weeds.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is another type of clover that is native to Europe and Northern Asia and is now cultivated worldwide for forage. It is a high-yield crop suited to Australia's more temperate regions and is often used as a cover crop or "green manure" to fixate nitrogen into the soil. However, it does not cope well with heat and needs consistent rainfall or irrigation throughout the year.
Overall, clover is a resilient and pervasive plant that can present challenges in gardens but also offers benefits in pastures and crop production.
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Red clover is a high-yield crop suited to Australia's temperate regions
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a high-yield crop that is well-suited to Australia's temperate regions. A perennial legume, red clover was originally native to Europe and Northern Asia. Today, it is cultivated worldwide as fodder for livestock due to its rapid growth and high yields.
Red clover is an excellent option for animal feed and soil revitalisation. It is characterised by its ability to enrich soil with nitrogen, making it a valuable nitrogen fixer. In its first year, red clover can contribute up to 250 kg/ha of nitrogen, outperforming other clovers. This feature makes it ideal for crop rotation, replenishing nitrogen levels in soils depleted by previous crops.
Red clover is well-adapted to Australia's temperate regions, tolerating frosts and cold conditions. While it thrives in full sun, it is also shade-tolerant and relatively unfussy about soil fertility levels. It can even improve poor soil conditions by fixing nitrogen. However, red clover struggles in hot and dry climates, requiring consistent rainfall or irrigation. It may not be suitable for all regions of Australia, particularly the subtropical and tropical areas of Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Red clover is also used as a cover crop or "green manure" to enhance fruit tree and grapevine yields. It acts as a natural weed barrier and promotes biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and other wildlife. As a stand-alone crop, red clover can occasionally cause bloating in animals, so pastoralists often combine it with grass to mitigate this issue.
Overall, red clover is a valuable crop for Australian farmers, particularly in temperate regions, thanks to its high yields, adaptability, and soil-enhancing properties.
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![No-Till Cover Crop 13-Seed Mix (½-lb): [50% Clovers Plus Fenugreek, Vetch, Flax, Cowpeas, Buckwheat, Forage Peas, Millet, Lentils, Crimson Clover, Sweet Yellow Clover, White Clover, Medium Red Clover]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91CqSvgn3XL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
White clover is a hardy plant that grows in infertile soils
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a hardy plant commonly used in pastures across many temperate parts of Australia. It is a perennial legume known to produce high yields for feed crops and is resistant to many adverse conditions.
White clover is well-adapted to a wide range of soils and climates and is grown from Florida to the northeastern United States. It is a relatively low-growing legume that spreads by stolons and can tolerate close grazing. It grows best in cool, moist weather on well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.8 to 7. It is also compatible with some bermudagrass varieties when grown in pastures.
White clover is an excellent "living mulch" for vegetable gardens, vineyards, and orchards. It is known to be a hardy plant that will tolerate high traffic and heavy grazing. Its most lauded feature is its ability to grow in soil usually considered infertile. As long as you fertilize with phosphorus and sulphur, white clover seeds should grow in just about any soil.
Southern areas of Australia with reasonable rainfall are the locations that will see the most successful white clover crops. While the soil type and conditions rarely need to be considered when deciding on whether to plant white clover, rainfall is critical. For white clover to survive a summer, there needs to be either irrigation or rainfall. It is best planted in mid-autumn to early winter in moist conditions in a dryland area.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is another type of clover that is native to Europe and Northern Asia. It is now cultivated for forage worldwide due to its ability to grow quickly and deliver high yields. It is well-suited to Australia's temperate regions and is often used as a cover crop or "green manure" to continually fixate nitrogen into the soil.
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Clover is beneficial to pollinators like bees
Clover is a beneficial plant for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is a good alternative for lawns to attract bees. While it grows best in moist, fertile soils, clover struggles in hot, dry, and compacted soils. It is also unable to provide good soil coverage year-round as it goes dormant or dies back in the summer heat and remains fully dormant in winter.
Clover is an important plant for pollinators in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, where 99% of the native prairie has been destroyed. In Minnesota, 54 different native pollinators are attracted to the white or pink flowers of Alsike clover, which bloom in early to mid-summer. Alsike clover is well-adapted to wet soil conditions and produces large amounts of nectar, which is critical for supporting healthy honey bee populations.
Dutch Clover is another popular variety in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, attracting a similar number of native pollinators. This variety is better suited for sandy or loamy soils and can tolerate drier conditions. Since it does not grow as tall as Alsike clover, it is a good choice for lawns and high-traffic areas. Kura Clover is a unique variety well-adapted to the upper Midwest's harsh climate, with a deep root system, numerous flower heads, and a long bloom period. It is resistant to many pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for farmers and landowners. Pollinators are attracted to the purple or white flowers of Kura Clover, which bloom in late spring to early summer.
Sweet Clover is the most popular variety for beekeepers in Minnesota and the upper Midwest. This biennial clover is well-suited for medium to heavy soils and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent choice for improving soil health and fertility.
Red clover is another variety that is often used as a cover crop or "green manure" to fixate nitrogen into the soil. It can be planted at the base of fruit trees or grapevines to aid their yields and provide a barrier against invasive weeds. It is a high-yield crop suited to Australia's more temperate regions, providing excellent fodder for livestock and revitalizing soil. However, being a European native, red clover struggles in the heat and requires consistent rainfall or irrigation throughout the year. It will not cope well in subtropical and tropical areas of Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is commonly used in pastures across many temperate parts of Australia. It is a perennial legume known to produce high yields for feed crops and is resistant to many adverse conditions. It is often recommended as a "living mulch" between rows of trees, vegetables, or fruit bushes, as it thrives in moist, shady places and tolerates high traffic. Its nitrogen production is beneficial to neighbouring plants, and its presence can improve pollination for fruit or trees that rely on bees.
Overall, clover is beneficial to pollinators like bees, providing a source of food and habitat. It is relatively easy to establish and maintain, making it a good choice for supporting pollinator populations.
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Frequently asked questions
Clover is a perennial plant that grows all year round as a dense, low-growing mat of foliage. It is commonly regarded as a weed in Australia.
Clover usually has three-lobed leaves, but four-leaf clovers can sometimes be found. The edges of each leaflet are lightly serrated, and there is a visible vein along the middle. There is often a pale green or white flattened 'V' shape on the surface of the leaflet. Clover flowers are usually white to pale pink and are arranged in dense globular clusters.
Clover is commonly found in gardens and lawns in Australia. White clover (Trifolium repens) is widespread in the southern and eastern parts of Australia, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia. It is well-suited to the cooler, temperate climate and moist conditions. Red clover is less suited to the Australian climate as it does not cope well with heat and requires consistent rainfall.
