White Clover
Trifolium repens
A low-growing, herbaceous perennial featuring distinctive trifoliate leaves with faint pale markings and creeping stolons that allow it to form dense green mats.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry; highly resilient to short periods of drought.
- Growth
- Low-growing perennial ground cover with a creeping growth habit, spreading rapidly via stolons to reach heights of 4 to 8 inches with an indefinite spread.
Care instructions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate moisture. Prefers well-draining soils and requires very little maintenance once established, tolerating periodic dry spells.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry; highly resilient to short periods of drought.
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types from clay to loam, preferring well-draining conditions and a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10, demonstrating excellent cold and heat tolerance.
Growth habit
Low-growing perennial ground cover with a creeping growth habit, spreading rapidly via stolons to reach heights of 4 to 8 inches with an indefinite spread.
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through autumn, producing small, rounded heads of white or pale pink flowers.
Propagation
Propagates easily through natural stolon spreading, division of established clumps, and self-seeding.
Common pests & issues
Generally resistant to major pests and diseases, though occasionally susceptible to root rots in poorly draining soils and powdery mildew during humid conditions.
Similar species
Look-alikes include Hop Clover (Trifolium agrarium) and Black Medic (Medicago lupulina), which can be distinguished by their yellow flower clusters and differing leaflet shapes.