Owl-head clover (Trifolium alpestre, Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 1082 (1763))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 1082 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Iran

Description

Owl-head clover, scientifically known as Trifolium alpestre, is a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family. This species, first described by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1763, thrives in a broad range of habitats spanning from Europe to Iran.

This perennial herb is noteworthy for its distinctively shaped flower heads, which bear a resemblance to the head of an owl—thus inspiring its common name. The blooms are typically vibrant and densely packed with tiny, papilionaceous flowers that contribute to its unique appearance. Each flower exhibits a standard pea-like blossom, characteristic of the Fabaceae family, and usually comes in hues ranging from pink to a deep purplish-red.

Owl-head clover prefers well-drained soils and is commonly found in alpine meadows, grasslands, and along roadside verges. It flourishes in a temperate climate and can be seen adorning landscapes with its attractive floral displays during its blooming season, which generally extends from late spring to early summer.

The plant’s foliage is equally interesting, with trifoliate leaves that are broadly ovate and toothed, providing not just visual appeal but also contributing to the plant’s tolerance to its varied native environments. This morphology aids in minimizing water loss, making Trifolium alpestre well adapted to survive in both moist and slightly arid conditions.

Ecologically, Trifolium alpestre plays a vital role in its habitat. As a member of the legume family, it has the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria. This nitrogen-fixing capability enriches the soil, promoting better growth for surrounding vegetation and enhancing overall ecosystem health.

Due to its diverse habitat range and distinctive features, owl-head clover has also piqued the interest of both botanists and horticulturists. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its ornamental value and ecological benefits, proving to be a resilient and charming addition to various landscapes.

In summary, Trifolium alpestre stands out not only for its unique beauty and adaptive capabilities but also for its ecological significance. Whether viewed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, this plant serves as a vivid reminder of the intricate and balanced natural world.

Common Names

Lav: alpu abolinš
Deu: hügel-klee
Dan: skov-kløver
Swe: alpklöver, stenklöver
Eng: owl-head clover, purple-globe clover
Nno: alpekløver
Nob: alpekløver
En: Owl-head clover, Purple-globe clover, Owl-headed Flower, Purple Globe-clover
Be: Канюшына альпійская
Bg: Алпийска детелина
Cs: Jetel alpínský
Da: Skov-kløver
Nl: Alpenklaver
Et: Alpi ristik
Fi: Ruusuapila
Fr: Trèfle Alpestre
De: Hügel-Klee, Gebirgsklee, Waldrand-Klee
Is: Fellasmári
It: Trifoglio alpestre
Lv: Alpu abolinš
Nb: Alpekløver
Nn: Alpekløver
Pl: Koniczyna dwukłosowa
Ru: Клевер альпийский
Sv: Alpklöver, Stenklöver
Uk: Альпійська конюшина

Synonyms

• Trifolium alpinum (Georgi)
• Triphylloides nervosa (Moench)
• Trifolium alpestre var. rubellum (Ser.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. lanigerum (Ser.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. distachyum (Ser.)
• Trifolium alpestre f. monostachyum ((Ser.) Cincović)
• Trifolium alpestre f. lanigerum ((Ser.) Bolzon)
• Trifolium alpestre f. heterofoliolata (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium incarnatum (Stephan)
• Trifolium alpestre subsp. lanigerum ((Ser.) Stoj. & Stef.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. trinervia (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium alpestre f. bicefala (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium alpestre var. parvifolium (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium alpestre var. davidovii (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium rubens (Desc.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. durmitorum (Rohlena)
• Trifolium alpestre var. glabratum (C.Klinggr.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. sericeum (Hausskn.)
• Trifolium purpureum-majus (Gilib.)
• Trifolium alpestre var. villosum (Čelak.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken May 4, 2020 by nicolas Francois (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Theophile Pozet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Bente (Enteh) (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 23, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Christophe Lejeune (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

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

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Teresa Ostojska (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Mluvčí Koalice proti palmovému oleji (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Christophe Lejeune (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 18, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

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

Fruit

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by 22Ben Combes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2019 by Lanarenesa Associación (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:522831-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5359499)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium alpestre L.)

Specifications

Growth