White Clover (Trifolium repens)

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Tiny three-leaf clusters carry quiet lawn charm. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: white clover.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of full shade in cool climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; performs best in cool temperate conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate oval leaflets with distinctive white crescent markings; smooth, matte texture
  • Flower: Dense, rounded white inflorescences with subtle sweet fragrance
  • Stem: Creeping, hairless stolons that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light, balanced feed if soil is nutrient-poor. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth over flowering

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly over soil surface to boost calcium levels without attracting pests or causing odor
Pruning
  • Mow or trim to maintain desired height in lawn settings
  • Remove spent flower heads to limit self-seeding if spread is unwanted
  • Thin dense patches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

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

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; edible in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Four-leaf variants symbolize luck in Western folk traditions

Usage: Groundcover, livestock forage, pollinator support for bees and butterflies