Red trefoil (Trifolium rubens, Sp. Pl.: 768 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 768 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & S. Europe to Ukraine

Description

Red trefoil, scientifically known as Trifolium rubens, is a captivating and resilient flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species was first described in the seminal work, Species Plantarum, published in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as “L.”

Typically found across Central and Southern Europe, stretching eastward to Ukraine, the Red trefoil thrives in a variety of habitats. These range from meadows and grasslands to forest clearings, making it a versatile and adaptable member of its native flora.

Characterized by its striking, dense clusters of deep red to purple flowers, Trifolium rubens blooms luxuriantly during the summer months. Each flower head consists of numerous small florets, which are not only visually appealing but also attract a myriad of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This makes the Red trefoil an excellent choice for gardeners interested in supporting local biodiversity.

The foliage of the Red trefoil is equally attractive, with trifoliate leaves that are neatly divided into three leaflets, typical of the clover family. The plant’s overall growth habit is upright and bushy, often reaching a manageable height that makes it suitable for various landscaping applications.

Besides its ornamental virtues, the Red trefoil is also valued for its role in agriculture and soil health. As a member of the legume family, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thereby enriching it and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This characteristic makes it a beneficial companion plant in sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Though it is relatively undemanding, Trifolium rubens flourishes best in well-drained soils with moderate moisture levels. It prefers full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade.

In summary, Red trefoil (Trifolium rubens) is a remarkable plant that combines aesthetic appeal with ecological benefits. Its presence across diverse European landscapes underscores its adaptability and significance within its native range. Whether cultivated for its beautiful blooms, its environmental advantages, or its historical botanical importance, the Red trefoil remains a cherished species worthy of recognition and preservation.

Common Names

Deu: purpur-klee
Dan: purpur-kløver
Cat: fenc bord
Swe: purpurklöver
Nld: purpere klaver
En: Red Trefoil, Foxtail Clover
Be: Канюшына чырванаватая
Bg: Рубинова детелина
Ca: Fenc bord
Cs: Jetel červenavý
Da: Purpur-kløver
Nl: Purpere klaver, Purperrode klaver, Purpere-Klaver
Fr: Trèfle rougeâtre, Trèfle pourpré, Trèfle rouge, Queue-de-renard, Trèfle rougissant
De: Purpur-Klee, Fuchsschwanz-Klee, Blutklee
Hu: Pirosló here
Is: Purpurasmári
It: Trifoglio rosseggiante
Lt: Ilgagalvis dobilas
Pl: Koniczyna długokłosowa
Ru: Клевер красный
Sv: Purpurklöver
Uk: Конюшина червонувата

Synonyms

• Triphylloides rubens ((L.) Moench)
• Trifolium eriocaulon (Scheele)
• Trifolium rubens var. ramosissima (Ser.)
• Trifolium rubens var. furcata (Ser.)
• Trifolium rubens f. guarensis (Pau)
• Lagopus glaber (Bernh.)
• Trifolium rubens var. villosum (Vis. & Sacc.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Thomas Jumez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2016 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Yann ZIMMERMANN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Isabelle Saffrey (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by charles Hertz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by philippe_140 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by solembum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by solembum (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 30, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 12, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by daniel erhel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Shkuratovskyi Volodymyr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2019 by Yvon REPÉRANT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Vladimír Valach (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by xavier font (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5359249)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:523655-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium rubens L.)

Specifications

Growth