White Clover

Common name: White Clover

Botanical name: Trifolium repens

Family: Fabaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Habitat: White clover can adapt to suit the cutting height and will grow in short turf. It can grow on most types of soil, but is especially troublesome on heavy, acidic sites.

Leaf: This weed has distinct leaves, each with three leaflet (four if you are lucky). It is similar to those of other clover like plants such as trefoil, but those of white clover are larger. A whitish band is often visible near the base of the leaflets.

Flower: White clover flowers between May and September. It produces white flowers often with a cream or pinkish tinge.

Removal & Control: This weed can be hand weeded if the infestation is not too severe. Raking the weed into an upright position prior to mowing will help remove and weaken the plant.

White clover can be treated with a selective herbicide, however two applications may be necessary for complete removal. Choose a weed killer that contains mecoprop-p for the best results.