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Description
Trifolium Alpinum, commonly known as Alpine clover, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the high mountains of Europe, and it grows at an altitude of 1,500 to 3,500 meters. It has a small size and usually grows up to a height of 3 to 10 cm. The plant has a taproot system and produces small white flowers in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
Appearance
Trifolium Alpinum has small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color. The leaves are arranged in a three-leaf pattern, which is common among clover plants. The flowers of the plant are white and small, and they usually bloom in summer. The plant has a small size and low-growing habit, making it ideal for rock gardens and alpine gardens.
Care Guide
Trifolium Alpinum requires well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers moist soil that is not waterlogged, and it needs regular watering during the growing season. The plant does not require regular fertilization, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can help to promote growth. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to USDA hardiness zone 3.
Common Pests & Diseases
Trifolium Alpinum is resistant to most pests and diseases, but it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. Slugs and snails can also feed on the plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. To prevent pest and disease problems, it is essential to maintain good soil drainage and remove any infected plant parts promptly.
Habitat
Trifolium Alpinum is native to the high mountains of Europe, where it grows in rocky alpine meadows, scree, and gravelly slopes. The plant is well-adapted to cold temperatures and high altitudes, making it an ideal plant for alpine gardens and rock gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Trifolium Alpinum grow in containers?
A: Yes, Trifolium Alpinum can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Trifolium Alpinum?
A: Trifolium Alpinum prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Q: How do I propagate Trifolium Alpinum?
A: Trifolium Alpinum can be propagated by division in spring or by seed sowing in fall or early spring.
Q: Is Trifolium Alpinum an invasive plant?
A: No, Trifolium Alpinum is not an invasive plant and is generally well-behaved in the garden.
Related Plants
- Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
- Trifolium repens (White clover)
- Trifolium aureum (Golden clover)
References
- “Trifolium Alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f664.
- “Trifolium Alpinum.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+alpinum.
- “Trifolium Alpinum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16737/i-Trifolium-alpinum-i/Details.
