Trifolium repens
white clover
Small-leaved white clover is a creeping perennial that roots at the nodes. Between May and October, on long stalks, it bears rounded heads of creamy white flowers, sometimes with a hint of pale pink that fade to brown. Leaves are trifoliate - or four leaved, if you're lucky! Leaves have rounded tips and often bear a white mark. Valuable to wood mice, bumblebees and common blue butterflies
Other common names
creeping cloverDutch clover
see morehoney stalks
honeysuckle grass
lamb's suckling
sheep's gowan
clover grass
common clover
gowan
shamrock
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green White | ||
| Autumn | Green White | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally occurs in wide-ranging soils in grassland and rough ground, so long as the site is not too acidic or waterlogged. Used in agricultural herbal leys for its high protein content
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally Pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.