Trifolium repens
Family: Leguminosae
Common names: CLOVER, DUTCH CLOVER, SHAMROCK, WHITE CLOVER
Native to: Europe, Naturalized In United States
Sentiments: fertility and domestic virtue, think of me
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, dense form, spreading
Max height: 1 foot
Max width: 6.6 feet
Flower
pink, secondary color present, white/off white
Leaf
green, secondary color present
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Exposure: sun
Landscape uses: container, flower fragrant, ground cover
Propagates by: seed
flowers in fall
flowers in spring
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: -30 to +30 °F
Water: regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
leaf
profile
flower
There are over 300 species of CLOVER, a member of the Leguminosae family. It prefers regular watering. Both Trifolium repens and T. rubens are short-lived cultivated perennials that appeal to a broad range of butterflies. Trifolium pratense, RED CLOVER, in particular attracts insects and is a widely used fodder plant – it is beneficial as a crop, adds nutrients to the soil, and is widely used as green compost. The plant thrives in Zones 4-9, grows to a foot tall, and flowers in spring, summer, and fall. It can be grown in a container.
Trifolium repens attracts
Lycaena phlaeas, American Copper
Papilio polyxenes, Black Swallowtail
Pholisora catullus, COMMON SOOTYWING
Pieris rapae, Cabbage White
Plebejus melissa, Melissa Blue
Polites themistocles, Tawny-edged Skipper
Pyrgus communis, Common Checkered-Skipper
Speyeria cybele, Great Spangled Fritillary
Staphylus hayhurstii, Hayhurst's Scallopwing
Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral
Vanessa cardui, Painted Lady
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
