Golden Clover (Trifolium aureum)

Golden Clover

Trifolium aureum

Bright golden blooms nod like tiny suns over low-growing foliage. Annual to short-lived perennial herb.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow conditions and tolerates short periods of drought.
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Watering Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soils.
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; thrives in cool to temperate conditions; avoid prolonged heat above 32°C.
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate, oval to oblong leaflets with serrated margins; pale green, sparsely hairy.
  • Flower: Dense, rounded golden-yellow inflorescences resembling small hops, 1–2 cm in diameter.
  • Stem: Slender, ascending to prostrate stems with fine, soft hairs.
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flowering over foliage growth.

Eggshell powder top-dress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per pot every 2 months; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritation.
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering through mid-summer.
  • Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, mat-forming habit.
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest attraction.
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no reported adverse effects in cats.

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; safe for consumption in small quantities as forage.

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover; pollinator-friendly for bees and butterflies; occasional forage for livestock.