Plant
Crimson Clover
Trifolium incarnatumAlso known as Italian Clover, French Clover, Carnation Clover
Crimson clover produces striking, deep scarlet flower heads that elongate as they bloom atop erect, soft-haired stems. Native to Eurasia and widely naturalized across temperate regions, this winter annual fixes atmospheric nitrogen into soil through symbiotic root bacteria. It blooms profusely in late spring, creating dense blankets of red that attract bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.
FloweringCover CropNitrogen Fixer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis and nitrogen fixation
Predators
- Grazing Livestock
- Caterpillars
- White-tailed Deer
ThreatsHerbicide application, intensive agricultural tillage
HabitatsFields, pastures, roadsides, disturbed ground, agricultural soils
Life spanAnnual
Classification
- FamilyFabaceae
- SpeciesTrifolium incarnatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Best Viewing Time: Look for vibrant scarlet fields in late spring when blooms reach peak maturity.
- Soil Health Marker: Observe root systems for nodular bumps containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Photography Tip: Capture dense stands early in the morning when dew drops catch on hairy stems.
Pollinator Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "Red Clover" by randihausken is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
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