Trifolium reflexum

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Trifolium
Species:
T. reflexum
Binomial name
Trifolium reflexum

Trifolium reflexum, the Buffalo Clover,[2] is a species of clover native to the Eastern United States. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas.[3] It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.

Early in the European colonization of the Americas, clover species, likely including T. reflexum as well as related species such as T. stoloniferum, were recorded as forming a major component of the plant life in meadows and open woodlands, often in association with river cane, nettles, and other legumes.[4]

Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, Trifolium reflexum's populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.[5] Controlled burns have been found to stimulate seed germination in T. reflexum.[6]

As host plant

Buffalo clover is a host plant for the caterpillars of the following butterfly species:

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Trifolium reflexum.
  1. ↑ "Trifolium reflexum". NatureServe. Retrieved 2014-07-03.
  2. ↑ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Trifolium reflexum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  3. ↑ Missouriplants
  4. ↑ Campbell, Julian; Evans, Marc; Medley, Max E.; Taylor, Norman L. (1988). "BUFFALO CLOVERS IN KENTUCKY (TRIFOLIUM STOLONIFERUM AND T. REFLEXUM): HISTORICAL RECORDS, PRESETTLEMENT ENVIRONMENT, REDISCOVERY, ENDANGERED STATUS, CULTIVATION AND CHROMOSOME NUMBER". Rhodora. 90 (864).
  5. ↑ Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  6. ↑ "Trifolium Reflexum (Buffalo clover)". NC State Extension.


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