Cows Clover

Trifolium wormskioldii

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: British Columbia

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

Grapholita conversana, Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), western cloudywing (Thorybes diversus)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: 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 bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in wet meadows and along streambanks.

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds germinate at a higher percentage when placed directly into a warm growth box of 75°F compared to a cooler of 35°F

Source: npn.rngr.net