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Annual Biennial

Trifolium dubium

lesser trefoil

An annual with semi-erect stems to 25cm, small, bright green, trefoil leaves and small, pale yellow, clover-like flowers in summer. It can be a troublesome lawn weed, where it forms a mat of interlaced thin, wiry stems

Other common names
lesser clover
lesser yellow trefoil
see morelow hop clover
suckling clover
yellow clover
shamrock
Synonyms
Trifolium filiforme misapplied
Trifolium minus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Trifolium are erect or creeping annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials with trefoil leaves and small, pea-like flowers usually in clusters or short spikes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in virtually any soil but does best in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

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