rabbitfoot clover
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Trifolium arvense
Habit
This branched winter annual grows in erect clumps. It flowers from spring till early summer, producing small membranous seedpods.
Leaves
The leaves have three narrow leaflets with minute, toothed projections occurring near the tip.
Identifying Characteristics
Both the leaves and stem are densely hairy
Flower Seed Head
Flowers are usually grayish in color, although they occasionally occur from a light pink to a light purple. The flowers form silky cylinder-shaped heads, thus resembling a rabbit's foot.
Seed Fruit
The little yellow seeds each form inside a membranous pod
Where Found
This plant can usually be found in infertile soils with a low pH level. It prefers sandy soils near disturbed areas.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle,
quarter
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
purple,
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
serrated
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb