White clover
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial legume that originated in Europe and has spread across most of the world.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial legume that originated in Europe and has become one of the most widely distributed legumes in the world. It creeps over the ground on stolons that root at the nodes, and its leaves of three leaflets often carry a pale crescent mark.
The flowers sit in heads of 40 to 100 small florets on long stalks; they are white, sometimes with a pink hue. Honey bees and other insects collect nectar and pollen from them and cross-pollinate the flowers as they go. On the European list of species that can give unifloral honey, white clover stands next to red, crimson and Egyptian clover; its nectar is the source of clover honey.
The plant does best in a cool, moist climate on clay and silt soils. Its roots seldom reach deeper than about 60 cm, so dry soils hold it back, and cold winters without snow cover limit it too. In farming it is one of the most important pasture legumes, sown with grasses such as ryegrass or orchardgrass; with the right Rhizobium bacteria it fixes nitrogen from the air.
Why this matters to you: the link with bees runs both ways. According to the NRCS guide, honey bees are essential for white clover seed production, and 7-24 hives per acre are recommended.
Facts
| Botanical origin | Trifolium repens |
|---|---|
| Region | Originated in Europe; spread over most of the world |
| Main use | Pasture legume; for bees, nectar and pollen |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
White clover → kind of → Honey plants → kind of → 🍯 Honey
Links
- Part of
- Honey plants
- Which honey it gives
- Clover honey
Frequently asked questions
What do bees take from white clover?
Nectar and pollen: honey bees pollinate its flowers as they collect.
Is it true that white clover is only a pasture plant?
No. It is one of the most important pasture legumes, but also one of the species that can give unifloral honey in Europe.
Where does white clover come from?
From Europe; today it is spread over most of the world.
Why do white clover seed growers need honey bees?
Bees cross-pollinate the flowers; the NRCS guide calls them essential for seed production and recommends 7–24 hives per acre.
Where does white clover grow best?
In a cool, moist climate on clay and silt soils; dry soils and cold winters without snow cover limit it.
Similar
Black locust · Rapeseed · Sweet chestnut · Heather (ling) · Lavender · Rosemary
Sources
- USDA NRCS Plant Guide: White clover (Trifolium repens)
- Persano Oddo L. et al. (2004) Botanical species giving unifloral honey in Europe. Apidologie 35 (Suppl. 1)