Strawberry clover
No, strawberry clover is not related to strawberries. Trifolium fragiferum belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and most likely owes its common name to the shape of its fruit clusters, which somewhat resemble strawberries.
Trifolium fragiferum is a perennial plant. Its stems grow prostrate and occasionally semi-erect, reaching lengths of 10 to 30 centimeters. The trifoliate leaves are bright green and lack a pale marking. This makes it possible to distinguish Trifolium fragiferum from Trifolium repens even without flowers, as both species can occur together*.
Strawberry clover is tolerant of foot traffic and mowing. It can flower again just a few days after being mowed.
Its native range includes Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. As an introduced species, Trifolium fragiferum is also reported to occur in Australia and the United States (source).
In some regions of North America, Trifolium fragiferum is cultivated as a cover crop, green manure, or for hay and silage production (source).
* However, the absence of leaf spots is not a 100% reliable distinguishing feature. There are also plants of Trifolium repens without leaf markings.
Characteristics & Description
Height, habit: Perennial herbaceous plant, 10 to 30 centimeters
Poisonous: No
Origin: Asia, Europe, North Africa, and, as an introduced species, also in Australia and North America
USDA zone: 5 (-9.4 °F/-23 °C)
Botany
Family: Fabaceae
Name: Trifolium fragiferum
Categories: Red & Pink Flowers | Wildflowers |
