Navigating through the many varieties of clover weeds is a challenge for the most experienced gardeners. This comprehensive exploration combines knowledge, expertise and practical suggestions to help you identify and control these invasive plants. Keep reading for a deeper look at the subtle distinctions and similarities that may give you a clue about the real origins of these shrewd clover Clones.
What Are the Different Kinds of Clover Weeds?
Image by and Credit to: HansLinde
There are generally two types of clover weeds that grow in lawns: mixed grass-clover as well as pure. Because of their endurance mixed grass-clover lawns are ideal for areas with high traffic, such as playing fields. Contrarily pure clover lawns are perfect for areas with low to moderate traffic.
How Many Types of Clovers Are There?
There are a variety of clover in existence worldwide. But, the exact number remains to be determined since the clover species are multi-faceted and adaptable, constantly changing to accommodate different environments and climates.
| Clover Type | Features |
| Black Medic | Black dots and yellow flowers Leaves are divided into three round leaflets |
| Red Clover | Round flower heads in reddish-purple Three-lobed leaves that have white V-shaped marks |
| Yellow Clover | Yellow round heads of flower heads Pale green leaves, with white marks in the form of a V |
| White Clover | Leaves are divided into three round leaflets. White ball-shaped flowers |
| Hop Clover | Flowers in yellow with a hint of pink Heart-shaped leaflets with dark-colored markings |
| Strawberry Clover | Strawberry-like, pink flower heads Three leaflets featuring a distinctive white V-shaped marking |
| Subterranean Clover | Small pink or white flowers Leaflets with three ovals |
| Alsike Clover | Flowers in pink or white with a yellow-colored center Leaves with edges that are toothed and a white V-shaped mark |
| Rabbitfoot Clover | Pinkish-purple flower heads It resembles the feet of the rabbit |
9 Kinds of Clover Weeds: Identifying Them
After we have a better understanding of the characteristics and features of clover, let’s begin identifying the various types of weeds that appear to be this plant.
- Black Medic
- Red Clover
- Yellow Clover
- White Clover
- Hop Clover
- Strawberry Clover
- Subterranean Clover
- Alsike Clover
- Rabbitfoot Clover
1. Black Medic (Medicago Lupulina)
Image by and Credit to: Michel Langeveld
Black Medic, also known as Medicago lupulina is known as a clover weed since it has the trifoliate leaf pattern similar to clovers, however it is different in its leaflet shape and the presence of yellow flowers.
Black medic isn’t an actual clover, but is part of a different genus (Medicago) in the family of legumes.
It is a wedged and serrated leaflets, adorned with miniature yellow pom pom-pom flowers. Controlling Black Medic requires the correct mowing heights as well as the condition of the grass to limit the growth of this grass naturally.
If the infestation has advanced the herbicide for broadleaf, like Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D is an option. Improved soil condition through increasing the aeration level and adding organic matter, particularly in areas when compaction has already occurred will also reduce the spread of the pest.
Black Medic: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Legume (Clover Weed) |
| Plant Size | Small to Medium |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Summer |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Wedged and Serrated |
| Growth Rate | The cause is soil compaction |
| Temperature Requirements | It is able to adapt to various climate conditions. |
| Invasive | Primarily serves as a biomarker to determine soil conditions |
2. Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
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Red Clover, scientifically known as Trifolium Pratense is a kind of weed due to its rapid spread and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Red clover increases soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the air.
It is referred to as a clover because of its distinctive three-leaf design and its position to the legume species. The plant has beautiful reddish-purple blossoms that can get considerably larger than other clovers with heights ranging from 6 to 24 inches.
To stop its growth, it is recommended to cut your lawn at a higher elevation and stop sunlight from stimulating its invasive spread. Alternatively, make use of herbicides before they become active.
To remove it, use an aggressive mowing technique to stop sunlight from assisting its growth. You can also use herbicides with pre-emergent properties for an effective solution.
Red Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant type | Clover (Legume Family) |
| Plant size | 6 – 24″ tall |
| Size of the flower | Small |
| Flower timing | Through the season of growth |
| Color of the flower | Reddish-purple |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Leaf shape | Small, round 3-leaf pattern |
| Rate of growth | Invasive and rapid |
| The requirements for temperature | It is able to adapt to soil conditions of different types. |
| Invasive or not | Yes (spreads quickly) |
3. Yellow Clover (Melilotus Officinalis)
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Yellow Clover, scientifically known as Melilotus officinalis is a kind of clover weed, with similar characteristics to the clover cousins. The distinctive characteristic for clover is its characteristic three-leaf design, which is also found in the yellow Clover.
Yellow clover also contains nitrogen fixing yeasts in the root nodules, just like other clovers.
It’s easy to recognize because of its bright yellow flowers and its distinctive sweet scent, which distinguishes it from other types of clover. To eliminate it, make sure that a thorough lawn maintenance program is in place since it naturally chokes weeds out or you could use a trusted herbicide only in the case of a last alternative.
Yellow Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Size | Medium to Large |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Variable |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Roundish Three-Leaf Pattern |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Adapts to a Wide Range |
| Invasive or Not | Yes, Invasive |
4. White Clover (Trifolium Repens)
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White Clover, scientifically known as Trifolium repens is a weed of the family legume. Unique for its tricolor of circular leaflets as well as small white, round flowers, it is similar to sweet clover and alfalfa.
White clover is believed to be luckiest and is usually associated with luck and wealth.
It grows rapidly in poorly nourished lawns, most often in the summer or spring months. It is easily eliminated by timely mowing and the use of herbicides that are appropriate.
White Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Weed is a member of the family of legume |
| Plant Size | Between 4 and 8 inches tall |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Spring to Summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Three circular leaflets |
| Growth Rate | Rapidly spreads |
| Temperature Requirements | It is able to adapt to all climates. |
| Invasive or Not | Yes it is invasive |
5. Hop Clover (Trifolium Campestre)
Image by and Credit to: Hans
Trifolium campestre, also known in the field as Hop Clover, is recognized as a kind of clover because of its similar to clover characteristics and its invasive growth pattern.
Hop clover closely resembles flowering hop plants that is used in the making of.
It is given its ‘clover’ name due to the distinctive trifoliate leaves like other species in the Trifolium genre. The distinctiveness of this weed lies on its distinct yellow flower, its sour scent, and larger leaflets than the common white clover.
Effective removal requires regular herbicides, the prevention of seeds dispersing and use of herbicides when needed.
Hop Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Clover-like Weed |
| Plant Size | Smaller, Less Common |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Summer |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Trifoliate and Pointed |
| Growth Rate | Invasive |
| Temperature Requirements | Adaptable |
| Invasive or Not | Invasive |
6. Strawberry Clover (Trifolium Fragiferum)
Image by and Credit to: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Strawberry Clover is scientifically referred as Trifolium fragiferum one of the clover weeds identified by its distinctive traits of trifoliate leaves, and pale pink or white clustered flower arrangement.
Strawberry clover, also known as the strawberry plant is small-growing plant that is often used to cover ground in gardens.
The regular existence of this plant throughout places like vineyards, pastures orchards and lawns has given the plant a status of weed because of its invading nature. To recognize it, look for trifoliate, egg-shaped leaves that have the edges lightly serrated.
There is a noticeable vein in the middle, accompanied by small, round flowers around the size of an pencil eraser. To remove it, ensure an environment that is well-drained or use selective herbicides or manually uproot it to ensure the complete removal of its roots.
Strawberry Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Clover (Trifolium fragiferum) |
| Plant Size | 8-14″ tall |
| Flower Size | Small, the size of pencil eraser |
| Flower Timing | From winter to summer |
| Flower Color | White Pale pink |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Trifoliate, Egg-shaped |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Full sun, heat tolerant |
| Invasive or not | Yes, Invasive |
7. Subterranean Clover (Trifolium Subterraneum)
Image by and Credit to: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Subterranean Clover is also called Trifolium Subterraneum is a clover weed that is known by its distinctive trifoliate leaves which are indicative of the Trifolium Genus.
The seeds of the subterranean clover mature and are buried in the soil.
The leaves are composed of three leaflets that have round edges The leaflets display an appearance that is slightly jagged due to the toothed edges. To differentiate Subterranean Clover from other species, take note of its pale-pink whitish flowers that lie beneath the surface of the soil.
To get rid of this kind of clover, cutting grass at an elevated elevation is efficient since it blocks sunlight. This hinders its growth. in addition, pre-emergent herbicides may be applied.
Subterranean Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Clover Weed |
| Plant Size | A mat of low-growing foliage |
| Flower Size | Small |
| Flower Timing | Winter to Summer |
| Flower Color | Whitish-Pink |
| Leaf Color | Typically, it is green |
| Leaf Shape | Trifoliate Leaves |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Flexible to different climates |
| Invasive or Not | Invasive since it spreads quickly |
8. Alsike Clover (Trifolium Hybridum)
Image by and Credit to: No-longer-here
Alsike Clover, also known as trifolium hybridum is one of the varieties of clover that is distinguished by its unmarked trifoliate leaves, and white or pale pink flower heads.
Alsike clover is extremely digestible to livestock and is frequently found used in pastures for grazing.
It can become an invasive lawn plant, especially those with acidic and poor drainage, beating the white clover.
To identify this weed, look at the egg-shaped, trifoliate leaves that are jagged and small flower clusters.
Mix cornmeal gluten in 3:1 ratio with distilled water to limit the spread of the disease by drying out the seeds, thus preventing new sprouts from appearing.
Alsike Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Clover Weed |
| Plant Size | Medium |
| Flower Size | The size is similar to the pencil eraser |
| Flower Timing | Variable The plants do not bloom simultaneously |
| Flower Color | White or pale pink |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Trifoliate, a little toothed on the edges |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Affordable to a variety of situations |
| Invasive | Yes |
9. Rabbitfoot Clover (Trifolium Arvense)
Image by and Credit to: WikimediaImages
Rabbitfoot Clover, or Trifolium arvense, is a kind of weed known as clover, distinguished by its light-pink, fuzzy flower clusters as well as distinct trifoliate leaves. It is able to get its clover name by its three-lobed leaf that are a common feature common to plants belonging to the Trifolium genera.
Rabbitfoot clover is commonly employed for erosion control and habitat restoration projects.
It is easy to identify it by its distinctive characteristics, including oval leaflets, unique flowers that resemble rabbit feet, as well as its preference to grow in soils that are well-drained, sandy.
To remove it, regular cutting before the seed’s maturity or specific herbicide treatments are effective in controlling this Rabbitfoot Clover.
Rabbitfoot Clover: Identification Summary
| Plant Type | Perennial, Trifolium spp. |
| Plant Size | 4-16 inches tall |
| Flower Size | Flower heads that are fuzzy 1 to 3/4 inches long |
| Flower Timing | Summers |
| Flower Color | White or light pink |
| Leaf Color | Green |
| Leaf Shape | Trifoliate with oval leaflets |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Temperature Requirements | Flexible to a range of temperatures |
| Invasive or not | Yes, it can be invasive when there are certain conditions. |
What Are the Benefits of Planting Clover Weeds?
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Before we get into the numerous advantages of planting clover, we must understand this specific species of plant and what it can do as a viable, sustainable alternative to grass.
- They Attract Pollinators
- Prevents Invasive Weed Growth
- Reduced Need for Costly Fertilizers
- Clover Weeds Improves Nitrogen Level On the Soil
- Low maintenance
- Soil erosion control
- Tolerant to Heat and Drought
They Attract Pollinators
Clover lawns are a hotspot for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators who are naturally drawn to the plants tiny, clustered flowers. The addition of this plant to your lawn improves biodiversity and aids the vital species whose numbers decline because of destruction of habitats and pesticides.
Prevents Invasive Weed Growth
Clover is able to deter weed growth by expanding rapidly to create an extensive cover of ground, leaving no room for weeds to grow. Its tolerance to drought and its exceptional ability to tolerate low mowing heights will further increase its efficacy in preventing growth of weeds that are undesirable.
Reduced Need for Costly Fertilizers
Clover is a major nitrogen source for soil, which eliminates the requirement to use nitrogen fertilizers. Through its partnership in conjunction with Rhizobium bacteria, the clover transforms nitrogen from the atmosphere into a plant-friendly form. It then enriches soil when it is decomposed.
Clover Weeds Improves Nitrogen Level On the Soil
Clover is one of the most important members in the family of legumes is a key legume that actively captures atmospheric nitrogen and transforms it into useful form within its roots. This unique nitrogen-fixing capability enhances soil and reduces the requirement for nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Low Maintenance
Clover lawns require significantly less maintenance than traditional lawns, which requires less irrigation and regular mowing. In addition, by reducing the dependence on fertilizers and herbicides, clover lawns are cost-effective and low-maintenance lawn that can handle winter conditions efficiently.
Soil Erosion Control
Clover is a great way to stop soil erosion because of its deep roots and rapid growth, securing the soil in place and preventing runoff. Clover is a great, economical choice to maintain soil structure and preventing degradation.
Tolerant to Heat and Drought
It has a remarkable tolerance to drought and heat it can thrive in harsh conditions where most grasses have difficulty. Its capacity to shade and preserve moisture encourages an energized, drought-resistant lawn even in full sun and in warmer climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequent questions regarding the various varieties of weeds called clover:
Conclusion
Clover weeds are a tolerant friend and an infamous imposter, are a significant contributor to the complexity of keeping a garden healthy. Through a thorough understanding of the distinctive characteristics of different varieties of clover weeds we can effectively manage these resilient plants and benefit from their advantages. The process may seem overwhelming however the outcome of a vibrant, healthy garden or lawn – is well worth the effort!
What Is the Fastest-Growing Type of Clover Weeds?
What Is the Most Common Type of Clover Weeds?
What Is the Rarest Type of Clover Weeds?
What 3-Leaf Clovers Are Called?
What Is a Special Type of Clover?
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