Red Clover, Flowering
(also referred to as...)
Purple Clover, Trefoil
Latin Name: Trifolium pratense
Family: Leguminosae
Description
Red clover has been an important forage crop since the middle ages and the agricultural cultivar has been widely grown since the 17th century. Trifolium is from the Latin tri meaning three and folium meaning leaf and refers to the 3 lobed leaves. Once red clover arrived in North America, indigenous cultures used it as food and for its vulunery effects in ointments for sores and skin diseases. It was medicinally in use in Britain in the 19th century.
This short-lived perennial is native to Europe. It is found in fields and meadows throughout Europe and North America and prefers deep, rich, dry or moderately moist soils in full sun. Red clover has long-stalked leaves divided into 3 (and if you are lucky, four...) leaflets. The flowers have a purple-pink, or cream colour. It is best grown in its natural environment and is not the most ideal plant for cultivated gardens (its runners joyfully spread through the garden and blissfully drop seed ...)
As mentioned above, red clover has long been used by Indigenous North American cultures and is often employed in Chinese medicine. The herb contains isoflavones -- natural estrogens that help balance hormone levels, especially in women.
