Alpine clover (Trifolium alpinum, Sp. Pl.: 767 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 767 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: N. Spain to Alps, Italy (N. & C. Appennini)

Description

Alpine Clover (Trifolium alpinum)

Alpine clover, botanically known as Trifolium alpinum, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. First described by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant holds a special place in the rich tapestry of alpine flora.

Trifolium alpinum can be primarily found across a range that spreads from northern Spain, stretching through the majestic Alps, and reaching as far as the northern and central Apennine mountains of Italy. This widespread distribution underscores the plant’s adaptability to various alpine environments.

Typically flourishing in high altitude meadows and rocky mountain slopes, the Alpine clover is well-adapted to the harsh, cooler climates characteristic of its native regions. The plant’s striking features not only include vibrant, clover-like leaves but also beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom during the warmer months. These blossoms are not just visually appealing but also play a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystems by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees.

Trifolium alpinum, like other members of the Fabaceae family, exhibits the remarkable ability to fix nitrogen into the soil. This process is facilitated through a symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that the plant can utilize for growth. Consequently, Alpine clover plays an essential role in maintaining soil fertility in its native habitats, thereby supporting a wide variety of other flora.

Beyond its ecological contributions, this plant also holds a certain allure for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its unique ability to thrive in the demanding alpine conditions, along with its distinctive flowering patterns, makes Trifolium alpinum a plant of significant interest.

In conclusion, the Alpine clover is much more than just a plant found in mountainous regions; it is a vital component of the alpine ecosystem with an impressive historical lineage. From its first recorded classification by Linnaeus to its important ecological roles today, Trifolium alpinum represents the resilience and beauty of alpine plant life.

Common Names

Eng: alpine clover
Swe: bergklöver
Cat: regalíssia de muntanya
En: Alpine clover
Ca: Regalèssia de muntanya, Regalíssia de muntanya
Cs: Jetel alpský
Nl: Alpenklaver
Fr: Trèfle alpin, Trèfle des Alpes, Réglisse des Alpes, Réglisse des montagnes
De: Westalpen-Klee, Alpen-Klee, Alpenklee
Hu: Havasi here
Is: Alpasmári
It: Trifoglio alpino
Pl: Koniczyna alpejska
Es: Trébol de los Alpes, Mandil, Regaliz de montaña, Regaliz de monte, Regaliz de puerto, Regaliza
Sv: Bergklöver
Tr: Alp üçgülü

Synonyms

• Ursifolium alpinum ((L.) Doweld)
• Bobrovia alpina ((L.) A.P.Khokhr.)
• Trifolium alpinum var. nanum (Rouy)
• Trifolium alpinum var. stenophyllum ((Gibelli & Belli) Rouy)
• Trifolium alpinum f. angustissimum (Bolzon)
• Trifolium alpinum f. dolomiticola (Bolzon)
• Lupinaster alpinus ((L.) C.Presl)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by jack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by wb203 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Fred LAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by jack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 30, 2020 by soltxaga xabi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5359425)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:522835-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium alpinum L.)

Specifications

Growth