Red clover
Trifolium pratense L.
Botanical family: Fabaceae
A perennial clover with large pink-purple flowers, traditionally used in an infusion.
Sun to partial shade
Cool, all types
Moderate: less drought-tolerant than white clover
Very hardy
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A nitrogen-fixing fodder legume, a green manure and very nectar-bearing ground cover (bumblebees love its flowers). Enriches the soil and feeds pollinators.
Good companions
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Poor companions
Allelopathy, reputed or observed: may slow some neighbours
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Flowers gathered in summer; dried, they are available all year round.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Trifolium pratense » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+pratense)
- Tela Botanica, « Trifolium pratense L. » (tela-botanica.org/bdtfx-nn-69291-description)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
The flowers contain phytoestrogens: in medicinal use, caution in case of hormone-dependent cancer, pregnancy, or hormonal treatment. As a ground cover and green manure, no precaution.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find red clover in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Infusions & herbal teas
Family behaviour: Legumes
In general, Legumes fix nitrogen from the air in most cases, thanks to the Rhizobium in their root nodules. They mainly enrich the soil for the following crops, as their residues decompose. Ideal in a rotation, before nitrogen-hungry plants such as nightshades.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Before you forage
This plant is often gathered from the wild. Only pick what is abundant, never a protected species, and never uproot a whole plant (roots) without the landowner's permission. Rules vary by country and region, check locally.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: cool, all types.
- • Classic companion: Maize (corn).
- • Keep away from: Common mugwort.