Clover (Trifolium) Weed Management

The Clover perennial weed has a variety of about 300 species and are all flowering plants. Clover and Trefoil are typical names with the botanical name (Trifolium). The Clover is derived from the legume or pea family Fabaceae.

Typically it is known as white Clover although you can find red clover, Crimson Clover. This perennial weed can grow up to 4 inches tall and will spread up to 12 inches or more. The plant will freely root on the ground at the nodes.

Typically Clover's will appear in moist temperature and subtropical regions. The Clover is a low growing herbaceous perennial plant that have heads of whitish flowers. Usually you will find a little bit of pink or cream on the aging of the plant.

If your lawn is covered with all kinds of white flowers then you have been taken over by white Clover's and need to get rid of them in your yard. Bumblebees and honeybees are highly attractive to the Clover plant. Clover's are a short-lived herb with typically three leaves.

Grown in a dense area they are fragrant flowers that are very small. Clover is a native to Europe perennial weed along with Central Asia. Found commonly in grassy areas, lawns and gardens in North America.

The hard seed coating of the clover seeds allows it to survive over extreme temperatures and for a long time in the soil compared to other weed seeds.

They can germinate many years and will make controlling the clover plants a regular ongoing effort.

Control or managing the Clover (Trifolium)

• Hand pulling of the Clover weed and digging the roots can help get rid of the Clover.
• Cultivation can help remove the weed and get rid of possible seating on the surface.
• Mulch protection can help block out sun and stop the Clover weed from growing. Each year you must reapply the mulch and try to keep a four-inch thick layer over the soil so as to block out any light.
• Black landscaping fabric will help get of the weed as it blocks out lights and will last many years. Larger plants may be controlled with a combination of mulching and landscaping fabric.
• Herbicide landscaped areas may be needed as clover seeds have a hard seed coating that is very tolerant to heat. Postemergent herbicides will help control both the annual and perennial clovers that have been established.
• Pre-emergent herbicides for landscape use are effective and will help control the Clover. Best herbicide will depend on the species of Clover that you are dealing with. Check the labels for proper chemical balance to help control or kill the Clover weed.