Lesser Trefoil
Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium), also known as Suckling Clover or Lesser Hop Clover, is a troublesome weed that commonly infests turf, lawns, and pastures. This small, low-growing plant belongs to the Fabaceae family and can quickly spread in various environments, competing with desirable plants for space and resources. Its adaptability and tenacious nature make it a challenging weed to control, posing problems for farmers, gardeners, and land managers.
Scientific Classification:
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
| Species | dubium |
Common Names: Lesser Trefoil is also known as Suckling Clover and Lesser Hop Clover.
Areas where it is typically found: Lesser Trefoil thrives in a variety of locations, including lawns, golf courses, pastures, meadows, and roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Ecological Impact: Lesser Trefoil can form dense mats, outcompeting desirable grasses and plants in lawns and pastures. Its dense growth habit reduces forage quality and hinders grass growth, impacting livestock grazing. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil can alter nutrient levels and affect the composition of native plant communities.
Identification:
- Leaves: Each leaf has three leaflets, each with a distinctive pale watermark. The leaflets are oval to heart-shaped and may have fine hairs on the underside.
- Stems: The stems are slender, creeping, and can root at nodes, forming dense mats.
- Flowers: The small, yellow, pea-like flowers are held in clusters at the end of long stalks.
- Fruits: The seed pods are small, rounded, and contain one to four seeds.
- Roots/Rhizomes: Lesser Trefoil has a fibrous root system.
- Growth Habit: It is a low-growing, creeping perennial plant.
Changes through the Four Seasons:
- Spring: In spring, Lesser Trefoil starts growing vigorously, producing new leaves and flowers.
- Summer: During summer, it continues to spread through its creeping stems and may produce additional flowers and seeds.
- Autumn: In autumn, the plant remains active, continuing its growth and seed production.
- Winter: In milder climates, Lesser Trefoil can remain green throughout the winter.
Treatment & Removal:
- Organic Methods: Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations. Improving lawn and pasture health through proper fertilization and irrigation can help suppress weed growth.
- Mechanical Methods: Regular mowing can prevent seed production and reduce the spread of Lesser Trefoil.
- Biological Methods: There are no widely used biological controls for Lesser Trefoil.
- Chemical Methods: Selective herbicides can be applied to control this weed in established turf and pastures.
On-Going Management & Control: Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential to prevent the spread of Lesser Trefoil. Maintaining healthy turf or pasture through proper cultural practices can discourage weed establishment.
Conclusion: Lesser Trefoil’s ability to rapidly spread and establish dense mats in lawns and pastures makes it a challenging weed to manage. Implementing a combination of control methods and ongoing management practices is crucial to effectively reduce its presence and prevent its further spread, thereby preserving the health and quality of turf and pasture areas.