Buffalo Clover (Trifolium reflexum)

My favorite clover. This patch was found growing alongside a forested trail near our land.

Trifolium reflexum is a rare native clover which is globally (G3G4) and locally (S3) vulnerable. Its numbers have plummeted in the past 200 years, possibly due to fire suppression.

comments (16)

Christine Young

Lion

So beautiful! Were there many of them? Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Maybe 12 or so total blooms so far? I'm hoping they will spread a bit so there will be a larger patch next year. I'll definitely gather some seeds. I have to go pull out pine saplings so the power company doesn't spray them though! Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Nice! I hope you have luck with them!
    
    Why do they spray pine saplings?? Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      They grow fast and can mess with the powerlines that are along the roadsides. Because of the rugged terrain, they choose to spray rather than use weedeaters :/ Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Ohhhh...Something I've never thought about. I love pine trees...just thinking about them makes me wish I had some pine needle tea. Posted 5 years ago
      2. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        I've actually never made it (and we are surrounded by pines)! Posted 5 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        It's a bit bitter, but has a nice citrus/pine flavor. I used to make it over campfires. Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
        
        Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        I've heard it is delicious AND nutritious! <3 Posted 5 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        It has loads of vitamin C! Posted 5 years ago

Ernst

Lion

It is the most beautiful clover I have ever seen. Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you SO much! It is a beauty! Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Today's Facebook post:

Look at this beautiful, bright pink clover! Buffalo clover (Trifolium reflexum) is a rare, herbaceous plant that is native to the eastern United States. It grows in woodlands and prairies, often in acidic soil, and in areas associated with natural disturbance.

Populations of buffalo clover have declined significantly during the past 200 years, possibly due to the suppression of controlled burns. Many legumes, such as buffalo clover, benefit from fire scarification of their seeds. Fire stimulates seed germination and creates an ideal seedbed for successful establishment of seedlings. So, the question remains: Can and will controlled burns be done safely and sustainably so that species, such as buffalo clover, can survive and thrive in their native habitats? Let’s hope so. {Spotted in Georgia, USA by JungleDragon moderator, Lisa Kimmerling} #JungleDragon #Buffaloclover #Trifoliumreflexum

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife/ Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you so much for featuring this underrepresented plant! <3 Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome :) Posted 5 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

So lucky to see Lisa as it is rare. Absolutely gorgeous little clover, presented to perfection here. Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you, Ruth! We are so fortunate to have them growing around our land. I plan on gathering seeds and attempting to help them thrive even more in this area!
  
  Last year, we even had board members of the Georgia Botanical Society come out to see them as they are such a rare find! Posted 5 years ago

The Buffalo clover

''Trifolium reflexum'', the buffalo clover, is a species of clover native to the Eastern United States. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas. It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.

Info 10 0

Similar species: Fabales

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling