Tomcat (Seaside) Clover is a small annual clover native to western North America that grows 1-2 feet tall and wide. It has linear green leaflets touched with burgundy and produces typical small clover flowers in rose/mauve to violet colors in spring. The plant improves soil nutrition and provides habitat for pollinators. It is easy to grow in full sun to part shade with minimal care, making an attractive groundcover suitable for native gardens, under fruit trees, or in containers.

1. Tomcat (Seaside) Clover – Trifolium willdenowii
(try-FOH-lee-um wil-den-OH-vee-eye)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Western N. America from British Columbia to Baja – mostly coastal ; fairly common to
abundant in CA grasslands, but also found in other plant communities in spring-moist soils.
herbaceous annual
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Small annual clover with linear leaflets that are green touched with burgundy. Root is a taproot.
Plants may be short-lived perennials in our climate. Plants improve soil nutrition (soil Nitrogen).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring in our area (Mar-June). Flowers are typical for clovers, the small
flowers contained in dense ‘heads’. Tiny flowers are lovely, rose/mauve to violet – attractive.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes and interesting addition to the native prairie or wildflower garden. Good
groundcover under fruit trees. Can be grown in pots and planters.
grasses. Foliage edible raw or cooked.
Try combining with native
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual groundcovers.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plants. Many pollinators, including butterflies and bees, are attracted to
the nectar.
Birds and small animals eat the seeds. Larger animals eat the foliage.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade
Any, including heavy clays
Need winter/spring water (can even take flooding); withhold water in summer after
blooming.
none
Somewhat salt tolerant.
Easy to grow. Don’t grow near camellias or gooseberries (harbors a mite
destructive to these plants). Leave roots in soil after plants die to retain soil Nitrogen.
Management:
Propagation:
from seed:
presoak overnight in hot water.
Plant in pots/prepared beds in
fall/winter.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 10, 16, 19
12/13/10
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