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Photograph of Subterranean clover
Photo: Wikipedia

Subterranean clover

Trifolium subterraneum

  • Layer 5 · Ground cover
  • Nitrogen fixer

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Subterranean clover is a creeping annual legume native to the Mediterranean Basin. It is characterised by its unusual ability to push its own fruit into the ground after flowering, sowing itself. In a food forest, it plays the vital role of a winter and spring ground cover, fixing atmospheric nitrogen for the benefit of the ecosystem.

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Needs

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Creeping herbaceous plant up to 15 cm
  • Mature diameter: 0.4 m
  • Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

  1. January
  2. February
  3. March
  4. April
  5. May — Harvest
  6. June — Harvest
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September — Planting
  10. October — Planting
  11. November — Planting
  12. December
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: The young leaves and flowers can be consumed raw or cooked in small quantities.

Where to buy

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the subterranean clover grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

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