Vascular Plants of North Carolina
Account for Rabbitfoot Clover - Trifolium arvense   L.
Members of Fabaceae:
Members of Trifolium with account distribution info or public map:
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Section 6 » Order Fabales » Family Fabaceae
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AuthorL.
DistributionEssentially throughout the state, but sparse in the Mountains and uncommon in the outer Coastal Plain.

Native of the Mediterranean region; in N.A. essentially throughout southern Canada and the U.S., with a big gap in the Southwest and southern Rocky Mountain states.
AbundanceCommon, except uncommon west of Mecklenburg County and in the outer Coastal Plain.
HabitatFields, fallow cropfields, disturbed ground, yard weed, urban/suburban lots, roadsides.
PhenologyFlowering and fruiting April-October.
IdentificationRabbitfoot Clover is easily recognizable by its soft, "furry" inflorescences and narrow leaflets. The inflorescence is whitish or dirty white, often with a pinkish tinge.
Taxonomic CommentsTrifolium is a large genus of some 240-250 species globally, mostly north-temperate zone. Most are readily recognized as a clover by their 3 broad leaflets and globular to hemispherical head of densely-packed flowers. Flowers vary from white to pink, and red; the hop clovers have tiny yellow flowers. Some species were introduced for their forage value for livestock, others hitched a ride with hay, packing material, etc. Our two native species -- T. carolinianum and T. reflexum -- have suffered great loss of habitat and are now rare.
Other Common Name(s)
State RankSE
Global RankGNR
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B.A. SorrieRoadside, Moore County, May 2015. MoorePhoto_non_natural
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