Trifolium pratense
Trifolium pratense
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 31E9 — Trifolium pratense
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IOverview
Overview
Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is a perennial forb/herb native to regions spanning from Afghanistan to Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.6, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. This plant, which can grow up to 0.6 meters tall, is known for its edible parts including flowers, leaves, and seeds, and is often cultivated for its light, airy presence in gardens. Its native range includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, and several other countries across Europe and Asia. Red clover's hardiness ranges from zones 5 to 9, allowing it to survive in a wide variety of climates.
Quick answers
What is Trifolium pratense?
Trifolium pratense, commonly known as red clover, is a perennial forb/herb native to regions spanning from Afghanistan to Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.
What is Trifolium pratense used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Trifolium pratense
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Trifolium pratense appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Trifolium pratense support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Trifolium pratense thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7.6. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. This perennial plant is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 5 to 9. For optimal growth, it needs full sun or partial shade. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Propagate through seeds or division of established plants. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7.6
For first-time growers
How to grow Trifolium pratense for the first time
8steps
Start with Trifolium pratense for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5-7.6, and prepare your garden bed or pot accordingly.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart, or transplant seedlings into the prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Harvest leaves and flowers as needed for use in salads.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:DyeCover cropSoil reclamationDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IndiaIranIraq
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia, Altay, East Himalaya, Føroyar, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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