Pollinator plant

Red clover

Trifolium pratense

Linked agroforestry plant data
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Common names

64 names · 44 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Chilean Clover
  • Cow Grass[1]
  • Peavine Clover[1]
+2 more namesShow fewer names
Other languages (43)
Dutch
French
Arabic
  • برسيم المروج[4]
  • نفل أحمر[4]
  • نفل المروج[4]
Armenian
  • Երեքնուկ մարգագետնային[4]
Belarusian
  • Канюшына лугавая[4]
Bulgarian
  • Червена детелина[4]
Catalan
  • trèvol comú[4]
  • Trèvol de prat[4]
Chinese (Simplified)
  • 红三叶草[4]
  • 红花三叶草[4]
  • 红菽草[4]
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • 红车轴草[4]
Chinese (Traditional)
Croatian
  • Crvena djetelina[4]
Czech
  • jetel luční[4]
Danish
  • Rød-kløver[4]
Downriver Halkomelem
  • ɬəɬxʷeʔləw̓s[4]
Emilian Romagnol
  • Tarfój råss[4]
Estonian
Faroese
  • reyðsmæra[4]
Finnish
  • puna-apila[4]
Galician
  • Trevo rubio[4]
German
Greek
  • Λειμώνιο τριφύλλι[4]
Hungarian
  • Réti here[4]
Icelandic
  • Rauðsmári[4]
Irish
  • Seamair dhearg[4]
Italian
Japanese
  • アカツメクサ[4]
  • ムラサキツメクサ[4]
Korean
  • 붉은토끼풀[4]
Latvian
  • Pļavas āboliņš[4]
Lithuanian
  • Raudonasis dobilas[4]
Luxembourgish
  • Roude Wisekléi[4]
Norwegian
  • rødkløver[4]
Polish
  • Koniczyna łąkowa[4]
Portuguese
Romanian
  • Trifoi roșu[4]
Russian
  • Клевер луговой[4]
Serbian
  • Црвена детелина[4]
Slovak
  • ďatelina lúčna[4]
Slovenian
  • črna detelja[4]
Spanish
Swedish
  • Rödklöver[4]
Turkish
  • kırmızı yonca[4]
  • Çayır Üçgülü[4]
Ukrainian
  • Конюшина лучна[4]
Welsh
  • Meillionen goch[4]
Zapoteco
  • gue-tuu-xtilla[4]
Sources & name notes (4)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Catalogue language labels are reviewed separately from botanical source records.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Trifolium pratense — Plant Toolbox common names ↗

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox; English common names in a United States horticultural reference.

Source records
  • Red Clover — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(4); heading: Common Name(s):; Trifolium pratense.
  • Cow Grass — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(1); heading: Common Name(s):; Trifolium pratense.
  • Peavine Clover — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(2); heading: Common Name(s):; Trifolium pratense.
  • Purple Clover — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(3); heading: Common Name(s):; Trifolium pratense.
[2] Royal Horticultural Society — common names ↗

Names retained from the referenced botanical profile or table.

Source records
  • red clover — Page 2, column 1, row top 502 pt; common-name cell after Trifolium pratense.; Trifolium pratense.
[3] Trifolium pratense — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy. This is a common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Red Clover — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rode klaver — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle rouge — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rot-Klee — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Wiesen-Klee — results[0].names[50]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Carretón rosado — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trébol rojo eurasiático — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trébol Rosado — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle des prés — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle violet — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trifoglio dei prati — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trifoglio rosso — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trevo-dos-prados — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trevo-vermelho — results[0].names[53]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trevo-violeta — results[0].names[4]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
[4] Trifolium pratense — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Red Clover — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rode klaver — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle rouge — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rot-Klee — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Wiesen-Klee — results[0].names[50]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Carretón rosado — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trébol rojo eurasiático — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trébol Rosado — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle des prés — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèfle violet — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trifoglio dei prati — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trifoglio rosso — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trevo-dos-prados — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trevo-vermelho — results[0].names[53]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trevo-violeta — results[0].names[4]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • アカツメクサ — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • trèvol comú — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • gue-tuu-xtilla — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • puna-apila — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Клевер луговой — results[0].names[17]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • ムラサキツメクサ — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rödklöver — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • jetel luční — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • rødkløver — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rød-kløver — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 紅菽草 — results[0].names[23]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • aasristik — results[0].names[24]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 붉은토끼풀 — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Tarfój råss — results[0].names[26]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Червена детелина — results[0].names[27]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Raudonasis dobilas — results[0].names[28]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Koniczyna łąkowa — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Réti here — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • ďatelina lúčna — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Λειμώνιο τριφύλλι — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • نفل المروج — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • نفل أحمر — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • برسيم المروج — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 红车轴草 — results[0].names[37]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Црвена детелина — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Seamair dhearg — results[0].names[39]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trevo rubio — results[0].names[40]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 红菽草 — results[0].names[41]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 红花三叶草 — results[0].names[42]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • 红三叶草 — results[0].names[43]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • kırmızı yonca — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • reyðsmæra — results[0].names[46]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Конюшина лучна — results[0].names[47]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Երեքնուկ մարգագետնային — results[0].names[48]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Канюшына лугавая — results[0].names[49]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • črna detelja — results[0].names[51]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Pļavas āboliņš — results[0].names[52]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trifoi roșu — results[0].names[54]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Rauðsmári — results[0].names[56]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Crvena djetelina — results[0].names[57]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Trèvol de prat — results[0].names[58]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Meillionen goch — results[0].names[59]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Roude Wisekléi — results[0].names[60]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • ɬəɬxʷeʔləw̓s — results[0].names[61]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
  • Çayır Üçgülü — results[0].names[62]; taxon id 51875; Trifolium pratense.
Plant references

Source-backed information

Published observations for this plant. Each reference supports the information beside it.

Taxonomy
Trifolium pratense is an accepted species in Catalogue of Life.

Taxonomic treatment in the August 2026 release; the catalogue record name is preserved.

Sources [1]
Botanical family
Fabaceae

Family in the cited taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Mature height
0.15–0.61 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Mature spread
0.2–0.51 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Plant habit
Ascending; Erect

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Life cycle
Biennial; Perennial

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Growth rate
Rapid

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Moisture and drainage
Good Drainage; Occasionally Dry

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt)

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)

NC State Extension profile. These source categories do not certify the catalogue’s numeric pH interval.

Sources [2]
Flowering season
Spring; Summer

NC State Extension profile. Seasons reflect the source region and do not verify the catalogue’s exact flowering months.

Sources [2]
Native range
Eurasia

NC State Extension profile. Origin reported by the source; this is not a claim of local nativeness.

Sources [2]
Pollinator guidance
RHS includes Trifolium pratense in its Plants for Pollinators guidance.

RHS planting guidance. Choose accessible flowers with pollen and nectar; reduced-resource and double-flowered forms may be unsuitable.

Sources [3]
Catalogue ratings

Who this plant supports

Honey bees

Low suitability
Nectar value Low
Pollen value Low
Agroforestry database

Complete plant information

Open full plant profile

Structure

Vegetation layer
Herbaceous
Size
Small
Dimensions
0.60 m high × 0.60 m wide
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial

Site conditions

USDA hardiness
5-9
Moisture
Moist
Soil
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Light
Sun

Uses

Edible parts
Leaves, Flowers, Seasoning, Root, Tea
Functions
Nitrogen fixer, Dye, Pollinator plant
Edibility
3 out of 5
Medicinal value
3 out of 5

Leaves and young flower buds can be eaten both raw and cooked. The young leaves are harvested before the plant blooms and can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes. They can also be cooked as a vegetable on their own, similar to spinach. The leaves taste best when cooked, but they can also be dried, ground, and used as a powder, for example, sprinkled over cooked rice. The seeds can be sprouted and added to salads. They have a crunchy texture and a strong flavor, which is different from that of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The seeds contain trypsin inhibitors that can affect digestive enzymes. These inhibitors are usually destroyed when the seeds first sprout. The flowers and pods can be dried and then ground into a flour for baking. The young flowers can also be eaten raw in salads. The root of the plant can be cooked, and a delicate sweet herbal tea can be made from the fresh or dried flowers. Additionally, dried leaves can be used to give cakes a vanilla flavor.

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Catalogue of Life Trifolium pratense — Catalogue of Life COL26.8

    COL26.8 (2026-08-20). Contributing checklist: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP): Fabaceae. This is taxonomic evidence, not an independent ecological study.

    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: NameUsage.tsv line 1427297; ID 58Q42; rank species; status accepted
    • Botanical family: NameUsage.tsv line 1427297; ID 58Q42; rank species; status accepted

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 4.0.

  2. NC State Extension Trifolium pratense — Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Growing conditions and seasons reflect its United States horticultural context.

    Supports: Mature heightMature spreadPlant habitLife cycleGrowth rateLightMoisture and drainageSoil textureSoil pHFlowering seasonNative range
    Relevant sections
    • Mature height: Dimensions / Height
    • Mature spread: Dimensions / Width
    • Plant habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Light: Light
    • Moisture and drainage: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • Flowering season: Flower Bloom Time
    • Native range: Country Or Region Of Origin

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Horticultural Society RHS Plants for Pollinators — Wildflowers

    RHS planting guidance; applicable flower-form restrictions are retained. General recommendations do not measure local nectar or pollen production.

    Supports: Pollinator guidance
    Relevant sections
    • Pollinator guidance: Page 2, column 1, entry Trifolium pratense (top 502 pt)

    Source checked on .