Red clover
Trifolium pratense
An upright short-lived perennial of open grassland with three leaflets and rounded pink-purple flower heads. Young leaves and flowering heads have documented food uses. It is also grown as a forage and cover crop and is recorded regionally outside cultivation.
Native range
Eurasia; widely cultivated and naturalized in North America.
Typical season
Young leaves before flowering and fresh flower heads are different food references. Growth and mowing determine availability. Leave sufficient flowers for pollinators; no reviewed local monthly picking calendar is assigned.
Identification
Compare the three leaflets, often pale chevrons, hairy upright stems and pink-purple flower heads. Distinguish white clover, sweet-clovers and wood sorrels. Flower colour alone is insufficient. NC State advises against eating the flowers during pregnancy or nursing. This reference describes food uses, not herbal medicines, supplements or unrestricted consumption.