Clover

Red clover field
by R. R. Smith [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Clover is the common name for plants in the genus Trifolium. The genus name refers to the fact that leaves are trifoliate (three leaves).

There are about 300 clover species. Some of these are cultivated as fodder crops (e.g. White clover, Red clover and Crimson clover).

Note that some plants in other genera are also called clovers (e.g. Melilotus, Medicago).

Names

Scientific
   Trifolium spp.
English
   Clover
   Trefoil
Dutch
   Klaver
Spanish
   Trébol
French
   Trèfle
German
   Klee
Italian
   Trifoglio

Taxonomy

Genus
   Trifolium
Family
   Fabaceae
Order
   Fabales

Crop categories

Green manures
Temperate crops
Legumes
Forage and fodder crops

Pictures

Red clover field
by R. R. Smith [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons