Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Trifolium pratense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour than alfalfa (Medicago sativa). — Leaves and young flowering heads - raw or cooked.; The young leaves are harvested before the plant comes into flower, and are used in salads, soups etc.; On their own they can be used as a vegetable, cooked like spinach.The leaves are best cooked.; They can be dried, powdered and sprinkled on foods such as boiled rice.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadows, pastures and other grassy places, especially on calcareous soils. Usually found on circumneutral soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)