Categories: Fabaceae

Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum, 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 Xinjiang, Macaronesia, N. Africa to NW. India

Description

Strawberry clover, scientifically known as Trifolium fragiferum, is a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family. This perennial herb has garnered attention not only for its distinctive name and appearance but also for its wide geographical distribution and ecological adaptability.

First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 within his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” Strawberry clover is noted for its unique strawberry-like flower heads. These globular inflorescences, which turn a rosy hue as they mature, are a standout feature among clovers, lending both visual appeal and its charming common name.

Geographically, Trifolium fragiferum boasts a broad native range. It spans much of Europe and extends all the way to the reaches of Xinjiang. Furthermore, it is found in Macaronesia, a region encompassing the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, as well as stretching across Northern Africa to the northwestern parts of India. Such extensive distribution illustrates the plant’s remarkable versatility and ability to thrive in a diverse array of climates and habitats.

Ecologically, Strawberry clover plays a vital role in its ecosystems. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it contributes to soil health through nitrogen fixation—a crucial process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form accessible to plants. This not only benefits the clover itself but also improves soil fertility, thereby supporting other plant species.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Trifolium fragiferum is valued for its resilience. It is particularly well-adapted to saline soils and wetland areas, making it an excellent species for reclamation projects and erosion control. Its hardy nature also means it can withstand periodic flooding, making it a robust plant for challenging environments.

In summary, Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum) is a notable species both for its distinctive strawberry-like flower heads and its broad ecological range from Europe to northwestern India. With its beneficial role in nitrogen fixation and its adaptability to various environmental conditions, this plant stands as a valuable asset to both natural habitats and agricultural practices.

Common Names

Deu: erdbeer-klee, erdbeerklee
Dan: jordbær-kløver
Nor: jordbærkløver
Eng: strawberry clover, strawberryhead clover
Nld: aardbeiklaver
Nno: jordbærkløver
Nob: jordbærkløver
Swe: rakkoapila, smultronklöver, blåsklöver
Fin: rakkoapila
Ita: trifoglio fragifero
Fra: trèfle fraise, trèfle fraisier, trèfle porte-fraise
Cat: trèvol maduixer
Spa: trébol fresero
Lav: zemenu abolinš
Cym: meillionen fefusaidd, meillionen pen-mefusaidd
En: Strawberry clover, Strawberry-Head Clover, Strawberryhead clover, Strawberry-headed Clover, Erdbeer Klee, Strawberry Trefoil
Af: Aarbei klawer
Ar: قداب (قَدَاب)، جدوب (جَدّوب), قرط (قُرط)، قدب (قَدْب)، قرض (قَرَض), نفل فراولي
Az: Boşmeyvə yonca
Be: Канюшына сунічная
Ca: Trèvol maduixer
Zh: Cao mei che zhou cao, 草莓车轴草
Cs: Jetel jahodnatý
Da: Jordbær-Kløver
Nl: Aardbeiklaver
Et: Randristik
Fi: Rakkoapila
Fr: Trèfle fraise, Trèfle fraisier, Trèfle porte-fraise, Trèfle porte-fraises, Trèfle-fraise
De: Erdbeerklee, Erdbeer-Klee
He: תלתן הביצות
Is: Strandsmári
It: Trifoglio fragifero, Trifoglio a fragola
Ja: Tsumekusa-damashi
Lv: Zemenu abolinš
Mk: Јагодеста детелина
No: Jordbærkløver
Nb: Jordbærkløver
Nn: Jordbærkløver
Fa: شبدر توت‌فرنگی
Pl: Koniczyna rozdęta
Ru: Клевер земляничный
Es: Trébol fresero, Fresa de burro, Trébol fresa
Sv: Smultronklöver, Rakkoapila, Blåsklöver
Uk: Конюшина суницеподібна
Cy: Meillionen fefusaidd, Meillionen Pen-Mefusaidd

Synonyms

Amoria fragifera ((L.) Roskov)
Xerosphaera fragifera ((L.) Soják)
Trifolium fragiferum subsp. villosum (Zubía)
Trifolium fragiferum subsp. glabrum (Zubía)