Trifolium obtusiflorum
Hook. f.
Clammy clover, Salt clover
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(c) Carol Blaney, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Carol Blaney
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(c) James Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by James Bailey
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) James Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by James Bailey
Summary
Source: WikipediaTrifolium obtusiflorum is a species of clover known by the common name clammy clover. It is native to California in the Peninsular, Transverse, Sierra Nevada, and the California Coast Ranges and Cascade Range into southwestern Oregon. It grows in moist habitat such as marshes and streambanks, and disturbed areas.
Description
A tall annual clover growing to 1 m. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated with nitrogen-fixing properties. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with preference for well-drained soil and ability to thrive in poor soil. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and moist conditions.
Edible Uses
Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, though they should first be washed to remove an acid exudation on the surface. The seed can be sprouted and added to salads, or dried and ground into a powder to use as a soup thickener or mixed with cereals when making bread.
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 when large enough to handle, and plant out in late spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring.
Other Uses
Functions as a dynamic accumulator.
Notes
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
Synonyms
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)
- Bot. Beechey Voy. 331. 1838
- 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/
- Saunders, C.F., 1948, Edible and Useful Wild Plants. Dover. New York. p 140
