©Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
©Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
Red clover
A familiar 'weed' of gardens, roadsides, meadows and parks, red clover has trefoil leaves and red, rounded flower heads. It is often used as fodder for livestock.
Scientific name
Trifolium pratenseWhen to see
May to OctoberSpecies information
Category
Statistics
Height: up to 40cmConservation status
Common.
Habitats
About
Red clover is a common plant of all kinds of grassy areas in the UK, from lawns to pastures, roadsides to meadows. It is sown as a fodder crop for livestock and has long been used in crop rotation systems because of its ability to fix nitrogen, enriching soils. The trefoil leaves are collected by wood mice and the flowers, which appear from May to October, are sought after by all kinds of bumblebees for their nectar.How to identify
Like other clovers, the leaves of red clover have the familiar trefoil look with three green leaflets each bearing a white V-shaped marking. The pinky-red flowers are borne in rounded heads.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
The nectar-rich flowers of red clover are a favourite of many species of bee, including the common carder bee, honeybee and red-tailed bumblebee.
Bob Coyle
Our gardens are vital for wildlife
The UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.