Contents
Description
Trifolium Arvense is a flowering plant commonly known as Hare’s-foot Clover. It belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This plant is an annual herb that grows up to 50 cm tall and has a taproot system. It has a hairy stem and leaves with three leaflets. The flowers are pink or white and are arranged in a compact head. The fruit is a pod containing one or two seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
Appearance
Hare’s-foot Clover has a distinct appearance. The stem is hairy and the leaves have three leaflets. The flowers are pink or white and are arranged in a compact head. The fruit is a pod containing one or two seeds. The plant can grow up to 50 cm tall and has a taproot system.
Care Guide
To take care of Trifolium Arvense, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Hare’s-foot Clover with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Hare’s-foot Clover grows best in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hare’s-foot Clover is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by root rot, powdery mildew, and spider mites.
Habitat
Trifolium Arvense is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It can be found growing in meadows, pastures, and waste areas. It is also commonly used as a cover crop and forage crop.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hare’s-foot Clover be used for erosion control?
A: Yes, Hare’s-foot Clover is often used for erosion control due to its taproot system.
Q: Can Hare’s-foot Clover be used as a forage crop?
A: Yes, Hare’s-foot Clover is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock.
Q: Is Hare’s-foot Clover a nitrogen-fixing plant?
A: Yes, Hare’s-foot Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it can improve soil fertility.
Q: Can Hare’s-foot Clover be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Hare’s-foot Clover can be grown in containers as long as it receives adequate water and sunlight.
Related Plants
- Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover)
- Trifolium Repens (White Clover)
- Trifolium Hybridum (Alsike Clover)
- Trifolium Alexandrinum (Egyptian Clover)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Trifolium arvense. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=TRAR2
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Trifolium arvense. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282389
- Govaerts, R., et al. (2019). Trifolium arvense. World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved from http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=252406
