Explore Trifolium purpureum (Purple Clover) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Trifolium purpureum | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Purple Clover
Family: Fabaceae
Appearance: An annual ground cover with upright to sprawling stems, trifoliate leaves with oblong leaflets, and dense, cylindrical flower heads of purple to reddish-pink flowers.
Type: Annual
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Ground cover
Root System: Deep taproot with lateral fibrous roots
Height: 20–60 cm
Width: 20–40 cm
Lifespan: Annual
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects
Toxicity: Not considered toxic
Trifolium purpureum | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, extending into the Middle East
Companionship: Grows well with other legumes, grasses, and forbs in natural meadows and pastures
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance; prefers full sun
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soils
Soil Type: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Easily propagated from seed, best sown in autumn or early spring
Cuttings: Not typically propagated by cuttings
Trifolium purpureum | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Young leaves and flowers are edible, sometimes used in herbal teas
Medicinal: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying properties
Cosmetics: Occasionally used in herbal skin preparations
Animal Feed: Valuable forage crop for livestock
Fiber: Not utilized for fiber production
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: Not suitable as a windbreak
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Commonly used as a cover crop for soil improvement
Mulch: Can be cut and used as green mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: Yes
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects
Pest Repellent: Not commonly noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food for pollinators and small herbivores
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: