Trifolium resupinatum Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Trifolium resupinatum L. – Reversed Clover, Persian Clover

Trifolium resupinatum plant

FamilyFabaceae

Stems:

Trifolium resupinatum stem

Leaves:

Trifolium resupinatum leaves

Trifolium resupinatum stipuleStipule.

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Trifolium resupinatum calyxCalices.

Trifolium resupinatum flowers

Trifolium resupinatum fruitsFruits.

Flowering – March – August.

Habitat – Lawns, fields, waste ground, disturbed sites, roadsides, railroads.

Origin – Native to Eurasia.

Other information – This weedy but attractive species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its bright pink flower clusters. The flowers are turned upside-down giving the flower clusters a more spreading look than those of a typical Trifolium.
The genus name Trifolium derives from the Latin “tri” meaning “three” and “foli” meaning “a leaf.”
The species epithet resupinatum derives from the Latin “resupin” meaning “bent back, inverted” referring to the flowers.

Alabama Distribution:

Trifolium resupinatum map

Photographs taken off Hwy 80, Montgomery County, AL., 4-9-05.

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