Brown clover (Trifolium badium, J. Sturm, Deutschl. Fl. Abt. 1(4, Heft 16):12. 1804)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Schreb.

Bibliography: J. Sturm, Deutschl. Fl. Abt. 1(4, Heft 16):12. 1804

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & S. Europe to Iran

Description

The brown clover, scientifically known as Trifolium badium, is a noteworthy member of the Fabaceae family. First described by Schreb. in 1804, this plant has garnered attention for its widespread presence and biological roles.

Native to the diverse ecological regions of Europe and extending all the way to Iran, brown clover thrives in a variety of environments. Its adaptability has enabled it to flourish across these vast geographical ranges, demonstrating its ecological versatility and resilience.

Trifolium badium characteristically displays the quintessential features of clovers, with trifoliate leaves that offer a lush, green appearance. The plant is an integral part of the ecosystems where it resides, contributing to the biological nitrogen fixation process that enriches soil fertility. This ability not only supports plant health but also benefits the surrounding plant communities.

Botanically significant, brown clover has been the subject of various studies that delve into its ecological impact and potential uses in agriculture. Its role in traditional and modern agronomy highlights its value beyond mere botanical interest, as it presents potential applications in sustainable farming practices.

In summary, the brown clover (Trifolium badium) stands as a significant species within the Fabaceae family. Its broad distribution from Europe to Iran and its crucial environmental roles make it a plant of interest both for scientific study and agricultural use.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-braun-klee, braun-klee
Eng: brown clover
Swe: humleklöver
En: Brown clover
Cs: Jetel hnědý
Nl: Bruine Klaver
Fr: Trèfle bai, Trèfle brun
De: Braun-Klee, Alpen-Braun-Klee, Braunklee
Is: Kastaníusmári
It: Trifoglio bruno, Trifoglio capolone
Pl: Koniczyna brunatna
Sk: Ďatelina hnedá
Es: Trébol pardo
Sv: Humleklöver, Humleklöver (växt)
Tr: Kahverengi üçgül

Synonyms

• Chrysaspis badia ((Schreb.) Greene)
• Trifolium spadiceum var. badium ((Schreb.) Lapeyr.)
• Amarenus badius ((Schreb.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Claudio Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Isabelle Lograda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

Taken Jul 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 23, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5359018)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:522896-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium badium Schreb.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 5