Trifolium dichotomum
Hook. & Arn.
Branched Indian clover
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Summary
An annual clover growing to 0.6 m (2 ft) tall. Hermaphroditic flowers are pollinated by insects. The plant fixes nitrogen and thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils that are well-drained. It tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and poor soil nutrition. Requires full sun and prefers moist conditions.
Description
An annual clover growing to 0.6 m (2 ft) tall. Hermaphroditic flowers are pollinated by insects. The plant fixes nitrogen and thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils that are well-drained. It tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and poor soil nutrition. Requires full sun and prefers moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, though should be consumed sparingly. The seed can be used raw or cooked — it works well as piñole, can be sprouted and added to salads, or dried and ground into a powder to thicken soups or mixed with cereals when making bread.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves are eaten in small amounts. The seeds are added to cornmeal.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. This species is closely related to and perhaps no more than part of T. macraei. Hook.&Arn. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a moist, well-drained circum-neutral soil in full sun. Succeeds in poor soils. It grows well in an apple orchard, the trees will produce tastier fruit that stores better. It should not be grown with camellias or gooseberries because it harbours a mite that can cause fruit drop in the gooseberries and premature budding in the camellias. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Buttercups growing nearby depress the growth of the nitrogen bacteria by means of a root exudate. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.
Propagation
Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water, then sow in spring in situ. If seed is scarce, sow in pots in a cold frame instead. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and plant out after the last expected frosts.
Other Uses
Functions as a dynamic accumulator and nitrogen fixer.
Notes
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
- Bot. Beechey Voy. 330. 1838
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 566
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
