Trifolium fucatum
Lindl.
Sour clover, Bull Clover
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Dan and Raymond, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Dan and Raymond, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd
(c) David Hofmann, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
Summary
Source: WikipediaTrifolium fucatum is a species of clover known by the common names bull clover and sour clover. It is native to the western United States (California and Oregon), where it grows in many types of habitat, becoming common to abundant in some areas. It is an edible species of clover.
Description
An annual clover growing to 0.6 m (2 ft) tall. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. The plant fixes nitrogen and grows well in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils that are well-drained. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and poor soil conditions. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Seeds can be eaten raw. Flowers and young seedpods are good raw or cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used as food. The flowers are seed pods are used as food. The seeds are eaten raw.
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. 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)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 654
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 567
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
