Lappa Clover

Trifolium lappaceum C. Linnaeus var. lappaceum

Fabaceae : Trifolieae

A recent immigrant to Texas, this furry little clover was first reported in Texas by Brown and Peterson in 1984. It is an annual that is native to the Mediterranean region.

Although very pretty, it's presence should be discouraged since it is not a native of the US. Don't plant it in your flower beds or even a pot. It can spread by seed and possibly out-compete natives. It has naturalized in several states already, including Texas.

Behind the Name :

Also commonly known as Burdock Clover, Bristly Clover and Bur Clover. (Both of these common names reference the seed head that looks like a bur.) Scientific synonym: Trifolium issajevii Khalilov.

Definitions:

Trifolium -

From tres (three) and folium (leaf); Refers to three leaves or leaves divided into three

lappaceum -

I thought surely this would be something that referenced how furry this clover is, but it does not. It is from lappa (burr) and -ceum (resembling); meaning like a bur.

Tags :

non-native Texas wildflower, Texas non-native wildflower, Texas non-native plant, alien plant, annual, herb, full sun, Spring flowers, white flowers, pink flowers, disturbed sites, Leguminosae family, Pea family, Bean family, Faboideae subfamily, Trifolieae tribe, Papilionaceae tribe, Burr clover

Related Links :

• USDA PLANTS Database: plant profile and distribution info


• LegumeWeb: plant profile and distribution info


• FloraBase - The Western Australian Flora: plant profile
  This page gives a good physical description of the plant. Flowering time, etc. not accurate for the US though.