Family: Fabaceae
Author: Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 478 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trifolium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to Mexico (NW. Baja California), Guadalupe
Description
Maiden clover, scientifically known as Trifolium microcephalum, is a distinguished member of the Fabaceae family. First documented by the renowned botanist Frederick Traugott Pursh in 1813 in his seminal work “Flora Americae Septentrionalis,” this plant has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and widespread habitat.
This fascinating species is known for its delicate and diminutive flowering heads, which contribute to its common name. The term “microcephalum” itself underscores the small-headed aspect of the plant’s floral structure. Maiden clover is a symbol of resilience, thriving across a broad geographical range from the vast expanses of Alaska through to the contrasting climates of Mexico’s northwest regions, reaching as far as the remote area of Baja California, and even extending to the island of Guadalupe.
Adapted to diverse conditions, Trifolium microcephalum has evolved to succeed in various environments, showcasing nature’s versatility. Its presence across such a wide range of North America highlights its integral role in the ecosystem, contributing to soil health and supporting various forms of wildlife.
As a member of the Fabaceae family, maiden clover plays a critical role in nitrogen fixation, a process essential for soil fertility. This makes it not only a delightful sight in the wild but also an important component of ecological agriculture practices where it can be used to enhance soil quality naturally.
For those intrigued by botany or simply appreciative of nature’s beauty, maiden clover represents a wonderful subject of study and admiration, reflecting both historical botanical endeavors and the ongoing splendor of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: smallhead clover, maiden clover, marden clover, small-head clover, small-headed clover, little-headed clover
Swe: kalifornisk klöver
Fra: trèfle à petites têtes
En: Maiden clover, Marden clover, Small-head clover, Smallhead clover, Small-headed Clover, Littlehead clover, Little-headed clover
Fr: Trèfle à petites têtes
Is: Smákollasmári
Sv: Kalifornisk klöver
Synonyms
- Trifolium microcephalum f. velutinum (McDermott)
- Trifolium microcephalum var. lemmonii (Lojac.)
- Trifolium multiflorum (Greene)
- Lojaconoa microcephala ((Pursh) Bobrov)
- Trifolium microcephalum var. glabrum (Hook.)
- Trifolium microcephalum var. bipedale (Hook.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by noemi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by noemi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 17, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5359025)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317428-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium microcephalum Pursh)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb