Rose Clover

Trifolium hirtum

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Trifolium
Species:
Trifolium hirtum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
apr, jun
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Native Range

United States: Alabama, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Mirificarma eburnella

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus), Obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, moderately fertile loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions; prefers open, sunny habitats