Rabbit's Foot Clover.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Annual herb

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 5 to 10 days

Mature size

30 cm tall

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early autumn

Entretien

Provide plenty of sunlight and ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root issues. Watch for signs of wilting if the soil stays too wet or if the plant is shaded by taller neighbors. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a longer flowering season.

Watering

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Feeding

Apply a light, balanced liquid fertilizer once during the active growing season.

Pruning

Trim back faded flower heads to keep the plant tidy.

Repotting

As an annual, this plant typically completes its life cycle in one season.

Soil

Sandy or rocky, well drained soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly acidic

Temperature

5 to 30°C

Humidity

20 to 50%

Drought tolerance

high

Lifespan

Annual, typically 1 year.

Deer and rabbits

high

Sécurité

People

There are no significant reports of human toxicity for this species.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The small, fuzzy flower heads could pose a minor choking hazard if ingested by very small children.

Contact allergens

The fine hairs on the stems and leaves may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can trigger mild allergic reactions in those sensitive to grass or clover pollens.

Edibility

While not strictly toxic, it is generally considered unpalatable and not a standard food source.

Comment l'identifier

• Soft, cylindrical, pinkish grey flower heads
• Small, trifoliate, grey green leaves
• Fine, silky hairs covering stems
• Upright, branching growth habit

Height

0.1 to 0.3m

Spread

0.1 to 0.2m

Leaves

grey green, deciduous

Flowers

pink, grey, 0.5 to 1.5cm

Problèmes courants

• Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth appears on leaves during periods of high humidity.
• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on stems and suck plant sap.

La cultiver

Propagation

seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

As an annual, it will die back completely after setting seed in the fall.

In containers

It grows well in shallow containers or rock garden pots as long as drainage is excellent.

Pair this clover with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants to create a low-maintenance meadow garden.

Bonnes associations

• Common Yarrow — Both plants thrive in similar dry, sunny conditions.
• Blue Fescue — The fine texture of the grass complements the soft clover heads.

À éloigner de

• Hostas — Hostas require much more shade and moisture than this clover.

Espèces similaires

• Red Clover — It has larger, more rounded flower heads compared to the elongated rabbitfoot clover.

Science

Family

Fabaceae

Genus

Trifolium

Order

Fabales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.

Conservation

It is considered a common, non-threatened species in most of its range.

It survives in harsh, dry environments by completing its life cycle quickly before summer heat sets in.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, nitrogen fixer

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental groundcover, soil improvement, wildlife habitat

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Is rabbitfoot clover a weed?

It is often classified as a weed in lawns because it spreads easily in thin turf.

Does it need fertilizer?

No, it fixes its own nitrogen and prefers lean, nutrient-poor soil.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name Trifolium refers to the three-part leaves, while the species name arvense means of the field.

Bon à savoir

• It is an annual plant that thrives in poor, sandy soils.
• The plant is native to Europe but has naturalized across much of North America.
• It is highly drought tolerant once established.