Starry clover (Trifolium stellatum, Sp. pl. 2:769. 1753)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:769. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Iran

Description

Starry clover, scientifically named Trifolium stellatum, is a unique and captivating species within the Fabaceae family. Described initially in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this clover has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries. Its common name, “starry clover,” is derived from its distinctive, star-like flower heads that make it stand out among other clovers.

This species has a relatively wide distribution, mainly found in the regions spanning from Macaronesia to the Mediterranean and extending as far as Iran. Commonly associated with temperate climates, starry clover thrives in these areas, showcasing its adaptability to various environments within this range.

The plant itself is modest in stature but notable for its charming, small white or pinkish flowers, which form clusters giving the appearance reminiscent of twinkling stars. These clusters are not only visually appealing but also play a significant role in the plant’s reproductive process, attracting pollinators and ensuring its propagation.

As a member of the Fabaceae family, Trifolium stellatum also contributes to soil health through its nitrogen-fixing abilities. It forms symbiotic relationships with bacteria in its root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants. This ability makes it a valuable addition to ecosystems, enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant communities.

Whether studied for its ecological benefits or admired for its delicate beauty, starry clover remains a plant of interest across its widespread habitat. Its presence from Macaronesia across the Mediterranean to Iran signifies its resilience and the important role it plays in diverse ecological landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: star clover, starry clover
Swe: stjärnklöver
Cat: trèvol estel.lat
Cym: meillionen serennog
En: Starry clover, Star clover, Stellate Clover
Ar: قداب (قَدَاب)، جدوب (جَدّوب), قرط (قُرط)، قدب (قَدْب)، قرض (قَرَض), نفل نجمي
Ca: Trèvol estrellat, Trèvol estel.lat, Herba de capsigrany, Herba de capsoti, Trèvol estel·lat
Fr: Trèfle étoilé
De: Stern-Klee
He: תלתן כוכבני
Is: Stjörnusmári
It: Trifoglio stellato
Es: Trébol estrellado
Sv: Stjärnklöver
Tr: Yıldızlı üçgül
Cy: Meillionen serennog

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

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.

Fruit

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by Ardente (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Enrique Boya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2019 by Ricardo Lemaur (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Lina Torres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2018 by Collu Roberta (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 8, 2020 by Ayana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Antonio López Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Rafael Caballero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Monica Blackhall (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Marie PAGNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Stephane Blanpain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by JeanMichel Crussefond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by JeanMichel Crussefond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by como Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5359037)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:523732-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium stellatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth