Down Garden Services

 HOME    SITEMAP    SEARCH    ARTICLES  

Lesser Trefoil

Scientific Name: Trifolium dubium
Other name: Yellow Suckling Clover, Small Hop Clover,
Family: Leguminosae / Fabaceae

An annual growing to 0.5m, it flowers from May to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The yellow, self-fertile, nectar-rich flowers are carried in a round head and are a good food source for bees and butterflies.
The leaves are similar to Clover which is a relative but the terminal leaflet has a short stalk. A member of the pea Family, the plant can fix atmospheric Nitrogen and can grow in most types of soil.
A poultice of the chopped plant has been applied to cuts to stop bleeding.

Not a major problem and can be attractive in wild meadows. Sometimes infests lawns which have low fertility. Treat as for Clover. See also Birdsfoot Trefoil.

Follow these links for further details on Weeds, Weed Removal and Weed Prevention.

picture of LESSER TREFOIL

© DOWN GARDEN SERVICES - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Copyright Notice