Hare’s-Foot Clover (Trifolium arvense) is a flowering clover species native to Europe. Hare’s-Foot Clover grows on dry sandy soils, acidic and alkaline soils, and on the edges of fields. Sheep and goats graze on this species, and it can be beneficial to agriculture by adding nitrogen to the soil where it is planted.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Trifolium arvense, commonly known as the hare’s-foot clover, rabbitfoot clover, stone clover or oldfield clover, is a flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae. This species of clover is native to most of Europe, excluding the Arctic zone, and western Asia, in plain or mid-mountain habitats up to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) altitude. It grows in dry sandy soils, both acidic and alkaline, soil with dry-mesic conditions and is typically found at the edge of fields, in wastelands, at the side of roads, on sand dunes, and opportunistically in vineyards and orchards when they are not irrigated.
The Latin specific epithet arvense means “of the fields”, or “agricultural”.
Trifolium arvense is a small erect herbaceous annual or biennial plant, growing to 10–40 cm tall. Like all clovers, its leaves are trifoliate, divided into three slender, sessile leaflets 1–2 cm long and 3–5 mm broad, sometimes edged with small hairs and finely serrated. The leaves have a pair of stipules at the base, often tipped in red.
The flowers are grouped in a dense inflorescence 2–3 cm long and 1-1.5 cm broad; each flower is 4–5 mm long, rosy white in color, and especially characterized by the many silky white hairs which tip the five sepals, which are much larger than the petals. These hairs, along with the more or less oblong form of the inflorescence, are the inspiration for the common name.
Pollination is carried out by bees, or via autogamy, since the plant is hermaphroditic, and the flowering season is from mid-spring to late summer. The fruit is a small pod containing a single seed.
Trifolium arvense flowers in early summer and does not require a cold period to induce flowering. Larger plants in good condition may flower for a longer period. In wild populations, only plants that are large enough (dry weight >0.01g) tend to produce seeds. The flowers of Trifolium arvense are self-fertilized, but visits by bees provide some opportunity for cross-fertilization. The seeds are covered by a hard coat which enables them to survive for a long period without germinating unless damaged.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Hare’s-Foot Clover thrives in full sun conditions where it receives unobstructed light for the majority of the day. This promotes robust growth and optimal health. Despite this preference, hare’s-Foot Clover demonstrates a tolerance for partial sun, adapting to slightly less intense light without significant detriment to its vitality. Under suboptimal light, hare’s-Foot Clover may exhibit reduced flowering and vigor. It is best suited for outdoor environments where it can bask in its ideal light setting. With a versatile response to light exposure, hare’s-Foot Clover remains resilient, but for gardeners aiming for peak condition, planting in areas that receive ample sunlight will yield the best results.
Watering
Thriving in its native habitat’s temperate conditions, hare’s-Foot Clover is well-adapted to moderate moisture levels and can withstand periods of dryness. This resilience translates into a preference for consistent but not excessive watering, aligning with a routine of watering every week. As an outdoor plant often found in meadows and fields, hare’s-Foot Clover benefits from natural rainfall patterns, yet it remains adaptable to various soil moisture conditions. Its ability to flourish outdoors is enhanced by its drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions where water conservation is essential.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, hare’s-Foot Clover benefits from balanced fertilizer in spring and high-nitrogen formulas in growing phases. Fertilize biweekly during active growth with half-strength recommended dosage, reducing in dormancy. This ensures vigorous foliage and reproductive performance, suiting different growth stages. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn. Use slow-release granules or liquid applications for controlled nutrition uptake.
Propagation
Hare’s-Foot Clover is adept at natural dissemination through its seed, which can be scattered to propagate new growth. Gardeners can collect these seeds and sow them in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight and moderate moisture. Care should be taken to space the seeds evenly and cover them lightly with soil, as this will encourage optimal germination and root establishment.
Transplanting
The prime time to relocate hare’s-Foot Clover is from the awakening of spring until the cusp of summer’s warmth, providing vigorous growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for this task, and be gentle to avoid root disturbances.
III. Uses and Benefits
Like most legumes, it fixes nitrogen, making it valued on low fertility soils for the benefit it gives to other crop species in supplying nitrogen. It is also grazed by sheep and goats. The nitrogen fixing ability of Trifolium arvense depends on the size of nodules attached in the root system of legume. The sizes of nodules showing the positive correlation with the composition of the community of microorganisms which are responsible for nitrogen fixing.
In semi-arid areas, the percentage of nitrogen originating from the atmosphere in the total amount of nitrogen fixation done by Trifolium arvense has been maintained at a high level range which refers to 82%-91%. In the rainy season, the total quantity of nitrogen fixed by Trifolium arvense is larger than the one in the dry season. The medicinal value of Trifolium arvense has been discovered to treat both humans and animals.
