Trifolium repens

No American Indian names were found. White clover is the original "shamrock" according to many sources.

Description

White clover is a short to long lived perennial. It has a shallow tap roots which may grow to a depth of about 3 fett and has very small crowns. It produces above ground, creeping stem called stolons that root at the nodes, thus permitting individual plants to spread over a considerable area. The plant has no upright stem as the top growth consists of left stem or petioles and leaves. There is usually a V-shape white mark in the middle of each leaflet. The taller growing flowers are predominantly white, as the common name of the species suggests, but are sometimes tingle with pink.The small yellow seeds have a hard seed coat that permits germination many years after the initial seeding. The hard seed of the white clover may pass intact through the digestive tract of grazing animals, thus allowing reseeding and species. 

Location and Habitat

White clover has low tolerance to drought because of its shallow root system. Also a number of high temperatures are unfavorable for growth, a prolonged drought can kill a stand. It is also intolerant of numerus amounts of water like a flood, and also cannot survive in waterlogged soil. You can find white clover in Macy by the school and either side and also by the  old post office, softball field, and the pow wow grounds.

Uses

White clover can be used for hay and pastures. It's is most useful as a pasture species, all types are palatable and very nutritious since livestock only consume leaves, petioles and flower shoots. It was also use in salads and making tea. Native Americans used the clover tea to cure coughts and cold. The tea was also know to help clear out your system. It was also known to help the textures of your nails if you drink. Some people believed that if you carried this plant with you, you would know if witches, socerers, and good fairys were in you presents. 

By Samantha Goodbird 

This Page was last update: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 10:32:34 AM
This page was originally posted: 10/31/06; 10:37:40 AM.
Copyright 2008 Plants of the Omaha Indian Reservation

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