Flora Detail

Common Name Narrow-leaf Clover (Introduced)
Family Fabaceae (Legumes)
Date Observed 02-08-2025
Category Ground cover
Catalogue No. 1151RGu
Flowering Time Spring
Colour Pink to Mauve
Locations Observed
Estuary
Koppie
Nature Reserve Many
Small Holding
Village Many
Greater Rooiels

Trifolium angustifolium

Information

Narrow-leaf Clover (Introduced)

Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover) is an erect, moderately hairy annual herb (family Fabaceae) growing 10–60 cm tall, native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Asia. It is characterized by slender, linear-lanceolate leaflets (30–50 mm long), and solitary, terminal, cylindrical flower heads of pale pink-purple flowers. 
Key Details of Trifolium angustifolium
Habitat: Commonly found in dry, disturbed areas, grasslands, and pastures.
Leaves: Trifoliate, with very narrow leaflets (2–4 mm wide, 12–15 times as long as broad).
Flowers: Cylindrical spikes (1–5 cm long). The calyx is 10-veined, featuring long, needle-like, ciliate teeth that harden in fruit.
Flowering Time: Late spring to summer.
Fruit: A small pod (legume), usually containing one seed, enclosed within the persistent calyx.
Distribution: Native to the Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, and Western Asia; naturalized in Australia, parts of North America (California, Oregon), and South America.

Appearance: Often appears as a bristly, narrow-leaf clover due to the long, sharp calyx lobes.
AI Overview

Click to find out more on Inaturalist