Trifolium arvense
hare's foot clover
A spreading, semi-upright, native annual to about 25cm found in dry grassland, field margins, sand dunes and other open spaces. The slightly hairy leaves have three, narrow leaflets and the sepals have long, silky hairs covering the tiny, pale pink flowers to create fluffy, cylindrical flowerheads, giving the plant its common name
Other common names
bottle grasscats and dogs
see moredog-and-cat grass
hare's foot trefoil
pussies
pussy's clover
rabbit foot
stone clover
poverty grass
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
An annual wildflower, spread by seed, preferring a sunny spot on well-drained soil with sparse coverage. Its hairy leaves and flowers make an interesting addition to a species-rich lawn, green roof or gravel garden. See clover in lawns for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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