Origin and Common Names
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum, also known as roughleaf clover, is a perennial herbaceous plant found in western North America from British Columbia to California.
The plant has several common names, including downy clover, western clover, and mountain clover.
Appearance
Trifolium dasyphyllum has a woody base that produces several stems. The leaves are composed of three leaflets that are up to 1 inch long and 0.3 inch wide. The leaves are hairy, giving the plant a soft texture and a light green color.
The flowers of roughleaf clover are typically pink, but they can also be white or purple. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and are up to 0.6 inch wide.
Uses
Roughleaf clover is used as feed for livestock in the western United States. The plant is considered a valuable forage plant due to its high protein content and palatability to animals.
Additionally, Trifolium dasyphyllum has been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes. The plant was used as a poultice to treat burns and as a tea to relieve sore throats and coughs.
Growth Conditions for Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum, commonly known as roughleaf clover, prefers to grow in regions with moderate rainfall and cool temperatures. As a species of clover, it is known for its low-growing habit and its nitrogen fixing properties in soil.
Light Requirements
Roughleaf clover requires full to partial sunlight for adequate growth. It typically grows in open fields, meadows, and pastures that receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for roughleaf clover growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant species can tolerate cold temperatures but cannot withstand prolonged exposure to frost.
Soil Requirements
Roughleaf clover grows best in well-drained and fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter and has high moisture content, especially in the early stages of growth.
It is also important to note that roughleaf clover is sensitive to soil salinity and cannot grow in soils with high salt concentrations.
Cultivation Methods
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum, commonly referred to as Hairy-fruit Clover, thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The best planting time is in the fall or early spring, and you can either directly sow the seeds in the prepared bed or transplant seedlings.
When planting the seeds, ensure that they are no deeper than a quarter-inch below the soil surface. Refrain from covering the seeds with soil as the plant requires sunlight to germinate. Water the newly planted bed consistently during the first few weeks to keep the soil moist without flooding the roots.
Watering Needs
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum poses low watering needs compared to other clovers. The plant requires ample water during the initial stages of planting and establishment. Once the plant forms a deep root system, it becomes drought tolerant, and you may reduce watering. However, ensure you maintain a consistent watering routine during periods of drought or when experiencing an extended dry spell.
Fertilization
The Hairy-fruit Clover needs moderate to low fertilizer applications. Excess nitrogen promotes excessive leaf growth, which may make the plant vulnerable to herbivores. Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer during the fall or spring planting to supplement the soil if necessary. Avoid adding any fertilizers during the growing season as it may make the plant susceptible to leaf diseases.
Pruning
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum does not require any pruning. However, you may trim the plant to promote bushier plants and encourage flowering. Prune the plant by pinching off the tips of the stems before blooming to encourage the emergence of side shoots. Deadhead the wilted flowers to promote longer blooming spans.
Propagation of Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum, commonly known as hairy three-leaf clover, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to western North America.
Propagation of T. dasyphyllum can be done using both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the two methods commonly used to propagate T. dasyphyllum:
Seeds
T. dasyphyllum can be propagated from seeds. The seeds of T. dasyphyllum have hard coats and may require scarification to improve germination rates. Scarification can be achieved by manually nicking or scratching the surface of the seeds before planting. Sow the scarified seeds during early spring, and make sure to keep them moist during germination.
Vegetative Propagation
T. dasyphyllum can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This can be done by taking stem cuttings during the summer months from the parent plant and planting them in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and the bottom leaves should be removed before planting. Keeping the soil moist can help the cuttings establish roots.
Propagation of T. dasyphyllum can be slightly challenging. However, with a little care and patience, gardeners can grow this plant successfully.
Disease Management of Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum
The most common diseases that affect Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum are fungal diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and root rot. Anthracnose causes yellow or brown spots on leaves, and powdery mildew creates a white, powdery appearance on the surface of the leaves. Root rot symptoms include a blackening of the roots and wilting of the plant. To manage these diseases, it is crucial to maintain proper sanitation practices in the garden. Remove and dispose of any infected plant materials, such as infected leaves or stems, to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also important to ensure adequate drainage, as these diseases thrive in damp conditions. Consider regular applications of fungicides to control these diseases. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
Pest Management of Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum
Trifolium dasyphyllum Torr. & Gray ssp. dasyphyllum is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and cutworms. Spider mites can be identified by webbing around the leaves and leaves turning yellow. Aphids are small, green insects that typically appear on the undersides of leaves. Cutworms are caterpillars that are found at the base of the stem and feed on the plant roots. To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These organic solutions are effective in controlling spider mites and aphids. Additionally, you can release natural predators such as ladybugs to control aphids. For cutworms, apply bacillus thuringiensis, which will effectively control the caterpillars without harming beneficial insects and other organisms. It is also important to regularly check your plants for signs of pest activity and remove any infested plants to prevent the spread of pests throughout your garden.
