Origin and Common Names
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller, also known as Rollins' mountain clover, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to western North America and is found in the subalpine and alpine regions of the Rocky Mountains.General Appearance
Rollins' mountain clover is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 8 inches tall. It has trifoliate leaves with oval-shaped leaflets that are hairless and green. The plant produces tubular-shaped, pinkish-red flowers that grow in dense, spherical clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers bloom from June to August and attract various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.Uses
Rollins' mountain clover has been historically used by indigenous people as a food source and as medicine. The plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. Furthermore, the plant plays a critical role in its ecosystem by fixing nitrogen in the soil and providing food for various animals. The plant has not been extensively studied for its potential pharmacological properties, but some studies have shown that it contains beneficial compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. In conclusion, Rollins' mountain clover is a beautiful and valuable plant species that has served various purposes throughout history. It is an essential component of the high altitude ecosystem and provides ecological and cultural benefits.Light Requirements
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii requires full sun exposure for sufficient growth. Partial shade may be tolerated, but it will affect the plant's growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas with bright sunlight or under glasshouse conditions with adequate light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cold to moderate temperatures and can tolerate frost. It is a perennial herb that is well adapted to the cool temperate environment. The ideal temperature for its growth and development is between 10-24°C.
Soil Requirements
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii grows optimally in well-drained and moderately fertile soils. Sandy to sandy-loam soil texture is ideal for good plant growth. It requires a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is generally not tolerant of saline or poorly drained soil conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller prefers to grow in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It requires a spot with full sunlight to partial shade and at least 6 hours of bright direct sunlight. It can also tolerate a little partial shade, especially in the hot and drought seasons. The plant can thrive in a wide range of outdoor temperatures, but it prefers a cooler climate with moderate temperatures. So, it's best to grow it in the spring or fall when the temperatures are around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.Watering Needs
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller prefers moderate watering. It doesn't require frequent watering, but it does better when the soil is kept moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the water to soak deeply into the soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining and doesn't stay water-logged. During the hot and dry season, you may need to water the plant more often, but be careful not to over-water it. Over-watering can result in root-rot and other soil-borne diseases.Fertilization
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller doesn't require frequent fertilization, but it appreciates occasional feeding to promote healthy growth. Fertilize the plant once in the spring when new leaves start to emerge. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Spread the fertilizer around the plant's base and gently scratch it into the soil. Water the plant well after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.Pruning
Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller doesn't require much pruning, but it's essential to remove any dead or diseased branches and stems. Prune the plant in the fall or winter when it's dormant. To prune the plant, use a sharp pair of pruning shears, and cut the stems and branches back to the base or the nearest junction. This will help stimulate new growth and promote healthy development.Propagation of Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller
The Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller commonly known as King Clover, is propagated through three methods which are; seeds, cuttings, and division. Proper care should be taken to ensure a successful propagation of the plant.
Propagation using Seeds
Propagation using seeds is the most common method for growing King Clover. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until the planting season arrives. The planting season for King Clover is in the springtime, after the last frost. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and watered regularly. Germination time usually takes about two weeks to a month.
Propagation using Cuttings
Propagation using cuttings is another method of propagating King Clover. A healthy plant with a strong root system should be identified, and the cutting should be taken from the softwood section from the top of the plant. The cutting should have a length of 3-4 inches and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a well-lit area.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is the third method used to propagate King Clover. Division is carried out by digging up the plant and gently dividing it into smaller plantlets. Before dividing, the plant should be watered thoroughly to help stabilize its root system. The individual plantlets should be planted in well-draining soil and kept consistently moist.
Disease Management
The Trifolium kingii S. Wats. ssp. rollinsii (J. Gillett) D. Heller, commonly known as King's Clover, is relatively disease-resistant. However, it can still be affected by a few fungal infections that may damage the plant. The most common fungal diseases that affect King's Clover include:
- Anthracnose - causes black, sunken lesions on stems and leaves, eventually leading to defoliation.
- Powdery Mildew - appears as white or gray powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage fungal infections, it is essential to implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of disease.
- Avoid overhead watering, especially during the evening, as it can lead to prolonged leaf wetness, creating favorable conditions for fungal growth.
- Ensure adequate spacing between the plants to improve airflow and reduce humidity levels on the leaves.
- Remove plant debris and fallen leaves around the plant, as they may harbor fungal spores and create a conducive environment for the fungus to thrive.
- Prune off infected parts of the plant, and dispose of them immediately to prevent spreading the disease to healthy plants.
- Apply fungicides when necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
King's Clover is relatively insect-resistant, but some pests may still pose a threat to the plant's health and development. Here are some common pests that may affect King's Clover:
- Aphids - feed on the sap of the leaves, causing distortion and stunting.
- Spider mites - cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves and often develop webs on the undersides of the leaves.
- Clover Root Curculio - the larvae tunnel into the roots of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stunting of the plant.
To manage pest infestations, it is important to implement preventive measures to prevent the pests from affecting the plant.
- Inspect plants regularly for any signs of insect or mite infestation.
- Remove weeds around the plant to reduce the incidence of pest infestation.
- Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control aphid and spider mite populations.
- Apply insecticides or miticides when necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions.
