Trifolium medium L.
Mammoth Clover
Zigzag clover is a native British perennial that closely resembles red clover but is distinguished by its characteristically kinked, zigzag stems. Its leaflets are narrower and lack the pale crescent markings of red clover, and the rounded flowerheads are a richer, deeper crimson-purple.
About
Zigzag clover is a native British perennial that closely resembles red clover but is distinguished by its characteristically kinked, zigzag stems. Its leaflets are narrower and lack the pale crescent markings of red clover, and the rounded flowerheads are a richer, deeper crimson-purple. Spreading slowly by underground rhizomes, it forms loose patches and typically reaches around 15 to 60cm in height in grassy places.
It flowers through the height of summer, roughly June to September, in unimproved grassland, woodland edges, hedge banks, road verges and railway embankments, often on poorer or heavier soils. The blooms are long-tubed, so the nectar is reached mainly by longer-tongued bumblebees, with honeybees, butterflies and moths also visiting. A good choice for meadow mixes, grassy banks and woodland-edge plantings where its long flowering and pollinator value, along with the nitrogen-fixing habit shared by all clovers, are welcome.
Also known as
Zigzag Clover
Synonyms
Lagopus flexuosus · Trifolium affine · Trifolium alpestre · Trifolium ambiguum · Trifolium aucheri · Trifolium flexicaule · Trifolium flexuosum · Trifolium haynaldianum · Trifolium haynaldii
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.