Foothill clover is an annual herbaceous plant native to California that grows 1-3 feet tall and wide. It blooms from March to May with typical pink-purple clover flower heads that droop attractively. Foothill clover can be used as a low-maintenance ground cover, improves soil fertility by increasing nitrogen, and provides habitat and food for birds and pollinators. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and needs moderate water like a lawn.

1. Foothill Clover – Trifolium ciliolatum
(tri-FO-lee-um sil-ee-oh-LAY-tum)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Much of California; open grassy slopes and disturbed areas in many plant communities.
herbaceous annual
mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Annual clover with typical clover growth characteristics. Leaves attractive green with red markings.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Marsh-May in S. Bay. Flowers are typical pink-purple ‘clover’ heads.
Flowers are small, but heads are showy. Flowers droop attractively with age.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a lawn substitute or ground cover in orchards and vineyards.
Would also be nice for narrow beds, planters and even in pots. Can grow in vegetable garden to
increase soil fertility (increases useable soil nitrogen). Fine on slopes and banks. Can be mixed with
native grasses and annual wildflowers with similar requirements. Leaves and seeds can be eaten,
raw or cooked.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native dichondras, lawn grasses.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides seeds and insects for food. Animals will also eat the foliage.
Flowers attract native bees and other pollinators.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any well-drained soil; any local pH
Medium water needs; water like a lawn
Good for nutrient-poor soils; improves soil nitrogen
Needs little care. Can be mowed (high) several times during growth season.
Leave roots in soil to release nitrogen.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
pre-soak in warm water for 12 hours prior to planting. Plant in
prepared beds at time of winter rains. Rake in lightly. Will re-seed (or collect seed for next year).
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 10, 16
12/6/06
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