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Trifolium macrocephalum

Trifolium macrocephalum (Pursh) Poir.

Largehead Clover, Big-head Clover

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s): Lupinaster macrocephalus, Trifolium macrocephalum var. caeruleomontanum

USDA Symbol: TRMA3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

An unusual low clover with large round heads of red to deep pink "pea flowers."

The large red heads of two-tone flowers make this one of the prettiest of Clovers. The name Trifolium, referring to the trio of leaflets, is contradicted in this species, which usually has 6-9.

From the Image Gallery

No images of this plant

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , NV , OR , WA
Native Distribution: Eastern Washington to east-central California, western Nevada and Idaho.
Native Habitat: Sagebrush deserts and pine woods.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: High

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:			FACU							FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Web Reference

Webref 62 - Burke Herbarium Image Collection (2020) University of Washington
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Trifolium macrocephalum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Trifolium macrocephalum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Trifolium macrocephalum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-06-12
Research By: TWC Staff

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