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Strawberry Clover

Trifolium fragiferum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Fabales

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea)

Also in this family:

Alpine Milk-vetch, Alsike Clover, Birdsfoot, Birdsfoot Clover, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bithynian Vetch, Bitter Vetch, Black Broom, Black Medick, Bladder Senna, Broad Bean, Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea, Bur Medick, Burrowing Clover, Bush Vetch, Clustered Clover, Common Broom, Common Gorse, Common Laburnum, Common Restharrow, Common Vetch, Crimson Clover, Crown Vetch, Dragon's Teeth, Dwarf Gorse, Dyer's Greenweed, False Acacia, Fine-leaved Vetch, Fodder Vetch, Garden Lupin, Garden Pea, Goat's Rue, Grass Vetchling, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Greenweed, Hairy Tare, Hairy Vetchling, Hairy-fruited Broom, Haresfoot Clover, Hop Trefoil, Horseshoe Vetch, Hungarian Vetch, Kidney Vetch, Knotted Clover, Large Trefoil, Lesser Trefoil, Lucerne, Marsh Pea, Meadow Vetchling, Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil, Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Nootka Lupin, Norfolk Everlasting Pea, Orange Birdsfoot, Petty Whin, Purple Milk-vetch, Purple Oxytropis, Red Clover, Reversed Clover, Ribbed Melilot, Rough Clover, Russell Lupin, Sainfoin, Scorpion Senna, Scottish Laburnum, Sea Clover, Sea Pea, Sickle Medick, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil, Slender Tare, Slender Trefoil, Small Melilot, Small Restharrow, Smooth Tare, Spanish Broom, Spanish Gorse, Spiny Restharrow, Spotted Medick, Spring Vetch, Suffocated Clover, Sulphur Clover, Tall Melilot, Toothed Medick, Tree Lupin, Tuberous Pea, Tufted Vetch, Twin-headed Clover, Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, Upright Clover, Upright Vetch, Western Clover, Western Gorse, White Broom, White Clover, White Lupin, White Melilot, Wild Liquorice, Wood Vetch, Yellow Oxytropis, Yellow Vetch, Yellow Vetchling, Zigzag Clover

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, grassland, lawns, meadows, mountains, roadsides, rocky places, saltmarshes, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

Pink, 5 petals

Flowerheads are densely packed with pink or light red, stalkless pea-shaped flowers. The flowers turn darker throughout the growing season.

Fruit:

The fruit of Strawberry clover is a distinctive and small dry indehiscent achene, resembling a tiny strawberry. The achene is typically red or pink, contributing to the plant's common name. It contains seeds and is borne in clusters, adding a decorative element to the overall appearance of the plant. The strawberry-like fruits are a notable feature of this clover species, providing both visual interest and contributing to its unique characteristics.

Leaves:

A perennial herb with compound serrated leaves. 3 leaflets. Similar to White Clover but smaller and with thicker bent back veins. The leaves are long-stalked and leaf tips are notched.

Aroma:

Strawberry clover does not typically possess a distinct fragrance. Unlike some flowering plants that are known for their aromatic blooms, strawberry clover is not cultivated or appreciated for its scent. Its main appeal lies in its visual characteristics, including the charming strawberry-like fruits and the overall aesthetic of the plant. As such, it is not commonly sought after for its fragrance, and any scent associated with strawberry clover is likely to be minimal or negligible.

Other Names:

Ham Clover.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Reversed Clover

White Clover

Summary

Trifolium fragiferum, also known as strawberry clover or ham clover, is a perennial legume native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is often used as a forage crop for livestock, as well as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and structure. The plant has small, pink or white flowers and grows best in cool, moist climates. It is adapted to a variety of soil types and can tolerate heavy grazing. Like other clovers, Trifolium fragiferum is able to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it a valuable addition to crop rotations.

Blog

Strawberry clover, also known as Trifolium fragiferum, is a type of clover that is native to Europe and Asia. This plant is unique in that it produces small, edible fruit that resembles a miniature strawberry. Despite its small size, the fruit is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

Strawberry clover is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a variety of soils. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow plant. This clover can be grown as a ground cover, in pots, or as a part of a mixed herb garden.

In addition to its small, flavorful fruit, strawberry clover is also known for its numerous health benefits. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it an excellent food choice for those looking to boost their health. It is also a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

Strawberry clover is also a valuable food source for wildlife, providing essential nutrients and shelter to a variety of species. Birds, insects, and small mammals are attracted to the plant's fruit, making it an important addition to any wildlife garden.

Overall, strawberry clover is a unique and nutritious plant that offers a variety of benefits to both gardeners and wildlife. Whether you are looking to add a new and interesting plant to your garden or are looking for a new food source, strawberry clover is definitely worth considering.

Strawberry clover is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. In addition to being enjoyed as a snack, the fruit can be used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods. The plant's leaves and flowers can also be used in salads, teas, and as a garnish, adding flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes.

One of the biggest benefits of growing strawberry clover is its ability to improve soil health. The plant's deep root system helps to break up compacted soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach deeper levels. Additionally, the plant's ability to fix nitrogen in the soil helps to improve soil fertility, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to grow other plants.

Another benefit of growing strawberry clover is its ability to provide ground cover. The plant forms a dense mat of foliage that helps to reduce soil erosion and prevent weeds from growing. This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a low-maintenance garden, or for those looking to provide a lush and attractive ground cover.

Strawberry clover is also a popular choice for farmers and ranchers looking to improve the health of their livestock. The plant provides a nutritious food source for livestock and can help to improve overall health and productivity. Additionally, the plant's deep root system helps to prevent soil erosion, making it a valuable addition to any pasture.

Strawberry clover is a unique and versatile plant that offers a variety of benefits to gardeners, wildlife, and livestock. With its delicious fruit, attractive foliage, and numerous health benefits, it is definitely a plant worth considering for any garden or farm. Whether you are looking to add flavor and nutrition to your diet, improve soil health, or provide ground cover, strawberry clover is a great choice.

Strawberry clover can also be used in landscaping, as it provides an attractive ground cover that adds visual interest to any garden. Its delicate white flowers and lush green foliage provide a beautiful contrast to other plants, making it a great choice for rock gardens, herb gardens, and as a border plant.

In addition to its aesthetic value, strawberry clover also provides a number of environmental benefits. The plant is drought-tolerant and can help to reduce the need for irrigation, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to conserve water. The plant's deep root system also helps to reduce soil erosion and improve soil structure, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Strawberry clover is also a popular choice for those looking to attract pollinators to their garden. The plant's delicate flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies, providing essential nectar and pollen to these important pollinators. By planting strawberry clover, gardeners can help to support pollinator populations and promote a healthy ecosystem.

When it comes to planting and caring for strawberry clover, the plant is relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow. It is best planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location and should be watered regularly until established. The plant will grow best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and can be fertilized with compost or a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Overall, strawberry clover is a versatile and attractive plant that offers a variety of benefits to gardeners and the environment. With its delicious fruit, attractive foliage, and numerous health benefits, it is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their garden, diet, or the health of their local ecosystem.

Strawberry clover is also a popular choice for foragers and wild food enthusiasts, as the plant is easy to identify and its fruit is readily available in many areas. The plant's fruit can be harvested from June to August and is best eaten fresh, although it can also be frozen or dried for later use.

When harvesting the fruit, it is important to only take what is needed and to leave plenty for wildlife and future harvests. Additionally, it is important to only harvest the fruit from areas where there are no signs of chemical or pollutant exposure, as these can potentially harm both the harvester and the environment.

Strawberry clover is also a great choice for those looking to add more edible plants to their landscape, as it is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for. Whether grown as a standalone plant or as part of a mixed herb garden, strawberry clover is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to any landscape.

In addition to its culinary and landscaping uses, strawberry clover also has a long history of medicinal use. The plant's leaves and flowers have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions. However, it is important to note that the medicinal properties of the plant have not been extensively studied and that it should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.

Overall, strawberry clover is a valuable and versatile plant that offers a variety of benefits to gardeners, foragers, and the environment. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried, or used for medicinal purposes, this plant is a great addition to any landscape or diet.

30 Facts About Strawberry Clovers

Scientific Name: Strawberry clover is scientifically known as Trifolium fragiferum.
Appearance: It has distinctive strawberry-like red or pink fruiting bodies, giving it its name.
Perennial Plant: Strawberry clover is a perennial herbaceous plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
Native Habitat: This clover species is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Growth Form: It typically grows low to the ground, with creeping stems and trifoliate leaves.
Flowering Season: Strawberry clovers usually bloom from late spring to early summer.
Flower Characteristics: The flowers are small and arranged in compact clusters.
Nitrogen Fixation: Like other clover species, strawberry clover can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.
Adaptability: It can adapt to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Drought Tolerance: Strawberry clover exhibits some drought tolerance once established.
Soil Improvement: Its deep root system helps improve soil structure and fertility.
Companion Plant: Often used as a companion plant in agricultural settings to enhance soil health.
Forage Potential: It is utilized as forage for livestock due to its nutritional content.
Hardiness Zones: Strawberry clover is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Seed Propagation: Propagation is commonly done through seeds.
Height: It typically grows between 8 to 16 inches in height.
Weed Suppression: Strawberry clover can help suppress the growth of certain weeds.
Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, some cultures use parts of the plant for various medicinal purposes.
Invasive Potential: While not considered highly invasive, it can spread in favorable conditions.
Erosion Control: It is effective for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas.
Fodder Quality: The plant has good fodder quality, providing nutrition for grazing animals.
Fruit Characteristics: The strawberry-like fruits are dry, indehiscent, and contain seeds.
Cultural Significance: In some regions, strawberry clover holds cultural or historical significance.
Wildflower Gardens: It can be a charming addition to wildflower gardens.
Low Maintenance: Once established, it generally requires low maintenance.
Rhizomatous Growth: It spreads through rhizomes, forming dense mats in suitable conditions.
Gardening Companion: Gardeners may use it as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects.
Fall Dormancy: It tends to go dormant in the fall, with regrowth occurring in spring.
Conservation Plant: Some regions use strawberry clover in conservation planting for soil improvement.