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Annual Biennial

Trifolium dubium

lesser trefoil

An annual with semi-erect stems to 25cm, small, bright green, trefoil leaves and small, pale yellow, clover-like flowers in summer. It can be a troublesome lawn weed, where it forms a mat of interlaced thin, wiry stems

Other common names
lesser clover
lesser yellow trefoil
see morelow hop clover
suckling clover
yellow clover
shamrock
Synonyms
Trifolium filiforme misapplied
Trifolium minus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Trifolium are erect or creeping annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with trefoil leaves and small, pea-like flowers usually in clusters or short spikes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in virtually any soil but does best in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

Get involved

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