PRODUCTS

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE

Trifolium pratense (from Latin prātum, meaning meadow), red clover, is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalized in many other regions.

CAS Number: 85085-25-2
EINECS/ELINCS No: 285-356-7

Common Names
cleaver grass, cow clover, cow grass, cowgrass, mammoth red clover, marl grass, meadow clover, meadow honeysuckle, meadow trefoil, medium red clover, peavine clover, purple clover, red clover, sweet clover, trefoil, wild clover

Trifolium pratense is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant, which is generally variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm (8–31 in) tall.
Trifolium pratense has a deep taproot which makes it tolerant to drought and gives it a good soil structuring effect.
The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with three leaflets), each leaflet 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 in) long and 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) broad, green with a characteristic pale crescent in the outer half of the leaf; the petiole is 1–4 cm (0.4–1.6 in) long, with two basal stipules that are abruptly narrowed to a bristle-like point.
The flowers are dark pink with a paler base, 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, produced in a dense inflorescence, and are mostly visited by bumblebees.

Trifolium pratense is extensively grown as pasture improvement and forage for livestock and poultry.
The flowers have a wide variety of uses in herbal medicine.

The common name for Trifolium pratense, Red Clover, can be confusing as the flowers are more a pink to pink/purplish, not true red.
Trifolium pratense is grown as a forage crop for pasturage, hay and green manure for livestock.
Trifolium pratense is a nitrogen-fixing plant and is often grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility.
Trifolium pratense's native habitat includes fields, pastures, meadows, waste areas, and along roadsides.
Trifolium pratense can be found in grassy locations that are not regularly mowed.

Trifolium pratense can be easily distinguished from other varieties of clover by the large pink flower heads as well as the chevrons that appear on the leaflets.

Trifolium pratense's flowers have a honey-like fragrance.
The foliage can produce a pleasant clover-like scent.
The flowering heads and foliage are both edible, both raw or cooked.
Trifolium pratense's young leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers.
They can be used in salads or soups or cooked similar to spinach.
The flowering heads as well as the seed pods can be dried and used as a flour substitute.
The young flower are also eaten raw in salads.

Trifolium pratense has also been widely used for athlete's foot, constipation, ulcers, corms, and menopause.
Trifolium pratense contains isoflavones.
The edible flowers taste sweet or like hay but they are not easily digestible.
Do not eat the flowers if pregnant or nursing.

Uses

Trifolium pratense, general aspect
Trifolium pratense is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility.
For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop.
Several cultivar groups have been selected for agricultural use, mostly derived from T. pratense var. sativum.
Trifolium pratense has become naturalised in many temperate areas, including the Americas and Australasia as an escape from cultivation.

Due to its beauty, Trifolium pratense is used as an ornamental plant.
Trifolium pratense's flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish.
They can be ground into a flour.

The flowers often are used to make jelly and tisanes, and are used in essiac recipes.
Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy.

Trifolium pratense's perennial nature affords sustained, reliable growth.
Furthermore, the species' ability to fix nitrogen promotes protein rich growth, enables it to support a wide range of wildlife including deer, turkeys, and rabbits.
These characteristics make Trifolium pratense useful for hunters interested in attracting game.
The pink flowers afford high visibility levels and facilitate such attraction and may be used by wildlife remediation teams and conservationists seeking to build wildlife bridges to connect fragmented habitats.

Alternative and traditional medicine
In the traditional medicine of India, Trifolium pratense is believed to be a deobstruent, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, anti-inflammatory and antidermatosis agent.

In alternative medicine, red clover is promoted as a treatment for a variety of human maladies, including symptoms of menopause, coughs, disorders of the lymphatic system and a variety of cancers.
There is some evidence it may reduce the frequency of hot flushes in menopausal women.
There is no good evidence it is of any benefit in preventing or treating cancer or any other diseases.

Due to its coumarin derivatives, Trifolium pratense should be used with caution in individuals with coagulation disorders or currently undergoing anticoagulation therapy.
Trifolium pratense is metabolised by CYP3A4 and therefore caution should be used when taking it with other drugs using this metabolic pathway.

Erect to decumbent perennial, 20‒60 cm.
Stipules ovate-lanceolate, free portion abruptly mucronate or cuspidate.
Leaflets l.5‒3.0(‒5.0) cm, obovate to broadly elliptic.
Inflorescence globose to ovoid, 0.7‒2.2 cm wide, sessile or rarely pedunculate, usually with an involucre of stipules of diminished leaves.
Calyx tubular campanulate, 10-nerved, patulous-hairy, rarely glabrous; throat of the tube open with an annular, hairy thickening.
Corolla reddish-purple to pink, rarely whitish, 13‒18 mm.

Characteristics:

Habitat: terrestrialwetlands
Flower petal color:
• pink to red
• white
Leaf type: the leaves are compound (made up of two or more discrete leaflets
Leaf arrangement:
alternate: there is one leaf per node along the stem
Leaf blade edges:
• the edge of the leaf blade has teeth
• the edge of the leaf blade is entire (has no teeth or lobes)
Flower symmetry: there is only one way to evenly divide the flower (the flower is bilaterally symmetrical)
Number of sepals, petals or tepals:
• there are five petals, sepals, or tepals in the flower
• there are four petals, sepals, or tepals in the flower
Fusion of sepals and petals: the petals or the sepals are fused into a cup or tube
Stamen number: 10
Fruit type (general): the fruit is dry but does not split open when ripe
Fruit length: 2–3 mm

Trifolium pratenses are usually a constituent of short term leys for cutting for hay or silage.
Normally the mixture would also contain Italian or hybrid ryegrasses or timothy although red clover can be sown alone.
Although used more for conservation, some of the more persistent improved varieties are useful for aftermath grazing.
In recent years Trifolium pratense leys have become very popular for fattening store lambs.

Some tetraploid varieties are also available.
There are two main types:

•Early Trifolium pratense.
Merviot is the most commonly used variety and the industry standard.
It has good resistance to Sclerotinia (clover rot) but is susceptible to stem nematode.

•Late Trifolium pratense.
These varieties are later to start growth in the spring than the early red clovers.
Yields can be about 10% less than the early varieties but are more persistent.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is widely used throughout eastern North America.
Trifolium pratense is adapted to a wide range of soil types and tolerates a pH as low as 5.5.
Trifolium pratense is a short-lived perennial that usually persists only 2 or 3 years due to susceptibility to a number of root diseases.
Newer varieties may last longer than this.

Trifolium pratense has an erect growth habit similar to alfalfa, but the main stems originate lower on the plant.
New shoots form from axillary buds at the crown.
The crown of red clover is not as deep in the soil as alfalfa, making it more susceptible to winter injury.
Trifolium pratense has a shallow, highly branched root system, so it grows poorly on sandy soils without adequate rainfall.

Trifolium pratense is used in many parts of the world as a medicinal plant.
In Turkey, Trifolium pratense is used as an expectorant, analgesic, and antiseptic and Oriental and European medicine uses this species to treat eczema and psoriasis.
Native Americans valued Trifolium pratense for the treatment of skin, lung, nervous and reproductive system diseases.
Trifolium pratense is one of the most important sources of phytoestrogens in nature.
The estrogenic activity of Trifolium pratense is mainly due to isoflavones and, to a lesser extent, coumoestans.
Isoflavones also have antioxidant properties.
They have a positive effect as regards disorders of menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular system and prevent breast cancer.
The most active of the isoflavones in Trifolium pratense is genistein.
Trifolium pratense extracts are used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce dietary supplements.
Both in the flowers and the leaves of red clover, such flavonoids as quercetin, myricetin, flavonols, and kaempferol were identified.
On the other hand, chalcone and chalcone glucoside and saponins were isolated from the roots.
also mention that seeds of berseem clover exhibit antidiabetic properties.
Flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and their glycosides have been isolated in them.
Likewise, chalcone and chalcone glucoside, and saponins have been found.

Trifolium pratense var. pratense, common name “red clover”, is native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa, but planted and naturalised in many other regions.
Trifolium pratense is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility.
For these reasons, Trifolium pratense is used as a green manure crop. Several cultivar groups have been selected for agricultural use, mostly derived from this plant.
Trifolium pratense has become naturalised in many temperate areas, including the America and Australia as an escape from cultivation.
Trifolium pratense is the national flower of Denmark and the state flower of Vermont, is a New England state in the northeastern United States.

The native range of this species is Macaronesia, NW. Africa, Europe to Mongolia and Himalaya.
Trifolium pratense is a perennial and grows primarily in the temperate biome.
Trifolium pratense is used as animal food, a poison, a medicine and invertebrate food, has environmental uses and social uses and for food.

Wild red clover (Trifolium pratense), cherished for its multifaceted benefits, extends beyond its role as a fodder crop.
Clover crops are renowned for their nitrogen-fixing properties, this resilient plant significantly enhances soil fertility, making it a sought-after green manure crop in agricultural practices.
Farmers value its ability to naturally enrich the soil, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation methods.

In addition to its agricultural significance, Trifolium pratense holds a place in alternative medicine.
Traditionally, Trifolium pratense has been promoted as a remedy for various human conditions.
Beyond its agricultural significance, red clover has found a place in alternative medicine.
Its traditional uses extend to being promoted as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, where it is believed to offer relief.
Moreover, in alternative health practices, Trifolium pratense extract is explored for its potential benefits in addressing coughs, skin disorders, and supporting the lymphatic system.
The diverse applications of Trifolium pratense underscore its ecological and medicinal importance.

Reaching up to half a metre in height, Trifolium pratense plants are an excellent source of nectar for bees, flowering May to September.
Preferring full sun.

Forage for Pollinators: Produces Nectar in abundance for many long-tongued Bumblebees such as Bombus pascuorum, B. hortorum, and some of these rarest bees such as the great yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguenus), the shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum) and the short-haired bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus).
Remarkably, because the amount of nectar secreted by this Red clover is so abundant (more than in White or Alsike clovers), it sometimes fills the flower-tube, making it accessible by Honeybees too, and it may be a more important minor source of nectar than has been supposed by beekeepers.
This is also a Pollen source for Honeybees and Bumblebees. Pollinated by bees and butterflies.

Trifolium pratense is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa, but it has been naturalised and cultivated in many other regions throughout the world, including North and South America.

Trifolium pratense is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae).
Trifolium pratense is known for its dense clusters of pink-purple flowers and its trifoliate (three-parted) leaves, usually marked with a white or pale green chevron (v shape).
The plant typically grows to a height of 20–80 cm.
As a legume, Trifolium pratense is also notable for its ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules.

Trifolium pratense has been grown as a fodder crop for livestock for centuries, especially in Europe and Asia.
Trifolium pratense has a long history of use in traditional medicine in various cultures, often used as a treatment for skin conditions and respiratory problems and as a blood purifier.
In the early 20th century, Trifolium pratense was recognised as an essential cover crop and green manure in agriculture because of its ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil health.

Growing Conditions
Trifolium pratense prefers well-draining soil with a near-neutral pH and does well in soils with good organic matter.
Trifolium pratense grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Trifolium pratense is generally sown in spring or early autumn.
Trifolium pratense is a hardy plant and can thrive in a variety of climates, but it prefers temperate to subtropical regions.
Regular watering is important during dry periods, but the plant is fairly drought-resistant once established.

Medicinal Uses
Trifolium pratense has a long history of use in herbal medicine.
Trifolium pratense is rich in various nutrients, including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C, and isoflavones (phytoestrogens, plant compounds similar in function to estrogen).
Because of these isoflavones, Trifolium pratense has been studied for its potential to help with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and osteoporosis.
Other traditional uses include treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, respiratory conditions, and as a detoxifying agent.

Culinary Uses
Trifolium pratense flowers and young leaves are edible.
The flowers are often used to make teas and can be added to salads for their sweet, mild flavour.
The young leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked like spinach.
Its use in cooking is not as widespread as other herbs.

Trifolium pratense is the most commonly used forage legume in the Nordic region.
Trifolium pratense occurs across most of the area, though only sparsely in the northernmost and mountain areas and in Iceland.
The species displays a large diversity in the size and colour of the flower, the height and the plant’s growth habit, the occurrence and the spread of a white spot on the top of the leaves, the degree of hairiness and many other characters.
Nevertheless, it is not difficult to recognize the species by its light to dark pink flower head and the often quite sturdy plants.
The cousin, Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium L.), can look very similar but has a less dense flower head and, in particular, a small stalk between the head and the top leaf.
The species is cross-pollinated and usually diploid, i.e. has a single set with 14 chromosome pairs.
Both naturally, but also through plant breeding, tetraploids have developed a double set of chromosomes.
These varieties are generally larger than the diploids which is an advantage in forage production.
One problem, however, has been the seed production.
Trifolium pratense is dependent on bees and bumblebees for their pollination, and especially in tetraploid varieties, which have larger flowers, the bumble bees with their longer tongues are absolutely necessary.
Many wild bumblebee species have long tongues and therefore management actions that benefit the bumblebees will also benefit the seed set in red clover, as well as the seed and fruit production in other species in the area.

Trifolium pratense has been cultivated for a long time.
Initially the wild form was cultivated, but as our ancestors continued to harvest it for hay, a slow adaptation to the new growing conditions took place.
Earlier generations farmers have probably selected plants with superior cultivation properties and let them produce seeds in appropriate locations.
The early cultivars were based on a selection of plants from local populations/landraces.
After a numbers of years of cultivation, new selections had to be made at intervals since the cultivated material mixed with local wild populations.
Red clover ‘Bjursele’ is an old landrace from Västerbotten in Sweden and has been cultivated for a very long time, the use of which has continued into modern times.
The terms early, intermediate and late refers to the development time of the cultivar and different types are suited to different parts of the Nordic region.

Trifolium pratense is a native perennial wildflower, typically found growing in grasslands and wildflower meadows.
Trifolium pratense's often used as a green manure, due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, but is worth growing as an ornamental in the garden, due to its pretty pink flowers and attractiveness to bees.

Grow in a mini wildflower meadow or in gaps in a mixed herbaceous border.
For best results grow Trifolium pratense in moist but well-drained soil.

Trifolium pratense is extensively grown as pasture improvement and forage for livestock and poultry.
The flowers have a wide variety of uses in herbal medicine.

Trifolium pratense can be easily distinguished from other varieties of clover by the large pink flower heads as well as the chevrons that appear on the leaflets.