Mountain clover (Trifolium montanum, Sp. Pl.: 772 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 772 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia and Iran

Description

Mountain Clover (Trifolium montanum) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in the seminal publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

Native to a vast region stretching from Europe to Western Siberia and Iran, Mountain Clover thrives in diverse habitats, favoring meadows, open woodlands, and mountainous areas. It is well-suited to moderate altitudes, often found gracing the slopes and edges of forests with its presence.

The plant typically grows to a height of 20-50 cm and is characterized by its trifoliate leaves—hence the genus name “Trifolium,” which means “three-leaved.” The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, displaying a soft, silvery sheen underneath. This unique foliar attribute helps to differentiate Mountain Clover from other members of the Trifolium genus.

Flowering from late spring to mid-summer, Mountain Clover produces dense, spherical inflorescences of creamy white flowers tinged with a hint of yellow. Each flower head sits atop a slender, erect stem, providing a striking contrast against the green backdrop of its leaves. These blossoms are not only attractive to humans but also serve as a crucial nectar source for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

As a member of the Fabaceae family, Mountain Clover plays a significant ecological role in nitrogen fixation, which enriches the soil and supports the growth of neighboring plants. Its robust root system helps in soil stabilization, making it a valuable plant for preventing erosion in its native habitats.

In terms of cultivation, Mountain Clover is appreciated for its resilience and ease of care. Gardeners value it for adding diversity to wildflower meadows and naturalistic plantings, where it can thrive with minimal intervention.

In summary, Mountain Clover (Trifolium montanum) is a versatile and ecologically valuable plant that enriches the landscapes of Europe, Western Siberia, and Iran. Its biological attributes and aesthetic appeal make it a cherished component of its native ecosystems as well as a beloved addition to cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Nor: bakkekløver, bergkløver
Deu: berg-klee
Dan: bjerg-kløver
Swe: backklöver, mäkiapila
Nno: bakkekløver
Nob: bakkekløver
Eng: mountain clover
Fin: mäkiapila
Cat: trèvol muntanyenc
En: Mountain clover, Mountain carpet clover
Be: Канюшына горная
Bg: Планинска детелина
Ca: Trèvol muntanyenc
Cs: Jetel horský
Da: Bjerg-Kløver
Nl: Bergklaver
Et: Amoria montana, Mägiristik
Fi: Mäkiapila
Fr: Trèfle des montagnes, Trèfle de montagne
De: Berg-Klee, Bergklee
Is: Bergsmári
It: Trifoglio montano
Lt: Kalninis dobilas
Mk: Планинска детелина
No: Bakkekløver, Bergkløver
Nb: Bakkekløver
Nn: Bakkekløver
Fa: شبدر کوهی
Pl: Koniczyna pagórkowa
Ru: Белоголовка, Клевер горный
Sk: Ďatelina horská
Es: Trébol, Trébol de montaña
Sv: Backklöver, Mäkiapila
Tr: Dağ üçgülü
Uk: Конюшина гірська

Synonyms

• Lagopus montanus ((L.) Bernh.)
• Amoria montana ((L.) Soják)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Buryatiya (introduced)
• Irkutsk (introduced)
• Khabarovsk (introduced)
• Krasnoyarsk (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 13, 2018 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2018 by Zanin Cecilia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Gonzàlez Niell Víctor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Pauline Derval (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 31, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2017 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Pavel Svancara (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 15, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/5359047)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:523419-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium montanum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Light: 8