Foothills, montane, subalpine. Meadows. Spring.
East Fork of the Dolores River Trail, August 25, 2005.

Red Clover is a wide-spread non-native plant, found from city lots to farm fields to mountain meadows. It is a significant forage crop and a favorite with bees. It grows quickly if given ample moisture and it is quite noticeable because of its large, long-lasting, and colorful flower head and its large leaves, often strikingly two-toned.

Linnaeus named this genus and species in 1753. "Pratense" is Latin for "found in meadows".

Foothills, montane, subalpine. Meadows. Spring.
Lower Calico Trail, June 16, 2004.

In crowded grassy areas, Red Clover will stretch for the sun and grow upright.  In the openings of trails, Red Clover does what it likes best: rest itself sprawling along the ground.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Trifolium pratense