Trifolium microcephalum
Pursh
Smallhead clover, Pinhead clover
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Summary
Source: WikipediaTrifolium microcephalum is a species of clover known by the common names smallhead clover and small-headed clover. It is native to western North America from southern Alaska and British Columbia to California, Montana, Arizona, and Baja California, where it occurs in many types of habitat, becoming common to abundant in some regions. It can grow in disturbed habitat and become a casual roadside weed.
Description
An annual clover reaching 0.6 m in height. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated with nitrogen-fixing capability. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions and able to grow in nutritionally poor soil. Accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and moist soil.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves and stems are cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Canada, Mexico, 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 in late spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring.
Other Uses
None known. Functions as a nitrogen fixer.
Notes
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
References (5)
- 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)
- Fl. Amer. sept. 2:478. 1813-1814
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 876
- 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/
