White Clover (Not a tree)
Trifolium repens · Herbaceous perennial legume
Plant Family
Fabaceae
Tree Category
Groundcover / Forage Crop
Variety / Cultivar
Standard form (unspecified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 10
About This Tree
An herbaceous, creeping perennial plant that spreads via stolons. It forms low mats of foliage and produces white globular flower heads. It is not a tree but is a common component of lawns and pastures.
Leaf Characteristics
Trifoliate (three leaflets), ovate to heart-shaped with a characteristic white 'V' watermark on the upper surface. Margins are finely serrated.
Bark Characteristics
None (non-woody herbaceous stems)
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Central Asia; naturalized globally in temperate regions
Growing Season
Spring through autumn; dormant or evergreen in mild winters
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate moderate drought
Mature Size
Height: 2–6 inches; Spread: Indefinite via creeping stolons
Special Characteristics
Nitrogen-fixing capabilities in soil; highly tolerant of foot traffic; excellent honey plant for bees
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Provides forage for rabbits, deer, and livestock. Larry of the Clouded Sulphur butterfly.