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Description
Trifolium Stoloniferum, commonly known as creeping red clover or running buffalo clover, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in most of the United States and Canada. The plant has a trailing habit and grows up to 15 cm tall. It has trifoliate leaves that are green in color and oval in shape. The flowers are pink or purple and bloom from May to September. The plant is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which makes it an important component of many agricultural systems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
Appearance
Trifolium Stoloniferum has a unique appearance that makes it easy to identify. The plant has a trailing habit and grows up to 15 cm tall. The leaves are trifoliate, which means they have three leaflets. The leaves are green in color and oval in shape. The flowers are pink or purple and bloom from May to September. The plant produces small, round, brown pods that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Trifolium Stoloniferum is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Trifolium Stoloniferum does not require much water. It can tolerate drought conditions, but it will grow better if it receives regular watering.- Fertilization: Trifolium Stoloniferum does not require fertilization. The plant is capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil, which means it can create its own fertilizer.- Soil: Trifolium Stoloniferum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Trifolium Stoloniferum prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Trifolium Stoloniferum can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Trifolium Stoloniferum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, there are a few pests and diseases that can affect the plant. Here are some of the most common:- Clover mites: These pests feed on the plant’s leaves and can cause damage if left untreated.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause white powdery spots to appear on the plant’s leaves.- Root rot: This disease can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
Habitat
Trifolium Stoloniferum is native to North America and can be found in most of the United States and Canada. The plant prefers open fields, meadows, and prairies. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Trifolium Stoloniferum is an important component of many agricultural systems, as it is capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Trifolium Stoloniferum an invasive species?
A: No, Trifolium Stoloniferum is not considered an invasive species. It is a native plant that is important for many ecosystems.
Q: Can Trifolium Stoloniferum be grown indoors?
A: No, Trifolium Stoloniferum is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to grow.
Q: Can Trifolium Stoloniferum be used as a cover crop?
A: Yes, Trifolium Stoloniferum is often used as a cover crop because it is capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Q: Is Trifolium Stoloniferum toxic to animals?
A: No, Trifolium Stoloniferum is not toxic to animals. In fact, it is often used as a forage crop for livestock.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Trifolium Stoloniferum:- Trifolium pratense (red clover)- Trifolium repens (white clover)- Trifolium hybridum (alsike clover)- Trifolium incarnatum (crimson clover)
References
– USDA Plants Database: Trifolium Stoloniferum- Missouri Botanical Garden: Trifolium Stoloniferum- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Creeping Red Clover- Ohio State University Extension: Creeping Red Clover for Forage and Wildlife Habitat
