Crimson clover, Italian Clover
Trifolium incarnatum
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It is an erect plant. The stems are hairy. The leaves are divided into 3 leaflets. The leaflets are also hairy. The leaflets have teeth near their ends and can vary in shape. The leafy structure at the base of the leaf (stipule) is round and wavy. The flowers are small. They are in oblong heads. These occur singly at the ends of stalks. The flowers are dark red.
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It needs an open, sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, China, Crete, Czech, Denmark, Europe (country/location of origin), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Korea, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Netherlands, North America, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
The sprouted seeds are eaten in salads, sandwiches and soups. Dried flower heads are used as a tea substitute. The seeds are ground into flour.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Seeds, flowers, leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or division.
Its other names
Local names
Rdeča detelja, Scarlet clover