Red Feather Clover Trifolium rubens
ABOUT
The plant known as red feather clover has a distinctive and quite attractive appearance. It is characterized by its lush green foliage, which is made up of small, trifoliate leaves, meaning each leaf comprises three oval-shaped leaflets with a slightly serrated edge. These leaves are attached to the stem by long petioles, giving the plant a delicate and airy feel. The most striking feature of red feather clover is its inflorescences, which are densely packed, elongated clusters of tiny, tubular flowers. The flowers have a bright crimson or magenta color that tends to be very eye-catching in a garden setting. They possess an ornate, feathery look, which is how it likely got its common name. The flowers are favored by pollinators and can add a vibrant splash of color to any environment they inhabit. Despite containing reddish hues, the coloration of red feather clover can vary somewhat, displaying shades from deep pink to lighter hues, sometimes with a gradient along the flower spike. This plant adds an element of vertical interest due to its flowering spikes that rise above the foliage, creating an attractive contrast against the green leaves. The overall form of the red feather clover is clump-forming, creating a bushy and full-bodied appearance. It is often used in garden beds and borders for this reason, as it fills in spaces with both its foliage and its striking blooms. This plant is also known for its resilience and its role as a ground cover species, which besides its beauty, contributes positively to the ecosystems where it grows by fixing nitrogen in the soil.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Red Feather Clover, Ornamental clover, Red Trefoil
Common names
Trifolium rubens.
ToxicityTo humans
Red Clover, which goes by the scientific name Trifolium rubens, is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. While it's always possible for certain individuals to have allergic reactions or sensitivities to any plant, there is no widespread evidence of Red Clover causing significant toxic effects when ingested in typical amounts. As with any plant, consuming it in excessive amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Red Clover, or Trifolium rubens, is not generally considered toxic to pets. This plant is often found in pastures and is sometimes used as fodder for domestic animals. However, care should be taken as in some cases, plants in the clover family may cause bloating in ruminants like cattle and sheep if consumed in large quantities. For common household pets such as dogs and cats, Red Clover is not known to be harmful, but as with any non-typical food, ingestion in large amounts could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Supports biodiversity by providing a habitat and food source for birds, bees, and other insects.
- Improves soil health by fixing nitrogen, thus enhancing soil fertility.
- Used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive red or purple flowers, adding aesthetics to gardens and landscapes.
- Acts as ground cover to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
- Its dense root system helps prevent soil erosion.
- Trifolium rubens, commonly known as the Red Feather Clover, is often used in forage mixtures for grazing livestock due to its high nutritional value.
Medical Properties- Trifolium rubens, commonly known as red feather clover, may have traditional uses in some cultures, but current scientific literature does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm specific medical properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Trifolium rubens, commonly known as Red Feather Clover, can be used as a natural dye source, providing varying shades of yellow, green, and brown depending on the mordant used.
- In the garden, Red Feather Clover is valued for its ability to attract bees and other beneficial insects, thereby supporting pollination of nearby plants.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
- As a leguminous plant, Red Feather Clover can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for other plants in the garden.
- The flowers of Red Feather Clover can be dried and used in potpourri mixtures, adding fragrance and color.
- Red Feather Clover is sometimes used in floral arrangements, where the tall, feather-like blooms add height and texture.
- The plant can be incorporated into living green roofs, contributing to biodiversity and insulation properties.
- Red Feather Clover can serve as a food source for livestock, particularly in pasture mixes due to its high nutritional content.
- The presence of Red Feather Clover in vineyards can serve as a habitat for predator insects that help control vine pests.
- Red Feather Clover can be used in educational settings to demonstrate plant life cycles and pollinator interactions to students.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Feather Clover is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Feather Clover is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Luck: Trifolium rubens is commonly known as Red Feather Clover, akin to other clovers, especially the four-leaf clover, which have long been associated with good luck.
- Prosperity: The clover is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and wealth, potentially due to its association with the rich, green color of healthy vegetation and fertile lands.
- Vitality: The vibrant red flowers of the Red Feather Clover can signify vitality and the life force, reflecting the plant's vigorous growth during the spring and summer months.
WaterThe Red Feather Clover, as Trifolium rubens is commonly known, should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Generally, this equates to watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, the frequency may increase to twice a week. When watering, aim to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, which could be about 1-2 gallons for a mature plant, depending on the size and type of soil. Always avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightFor Red Feather Clover, provide full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Positioning the plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day is ideal. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates where the afternoon sun can be intense, but they will thrive with ample sunlight.
TemperatureRed Feather Clover is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is within a range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can endure summer highs up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged temperatures above 85 or below 20 may stress the plant.
PruningPruning the Red Feather Clover helps maintain its shape and encourages denser foliage. Prune lightly in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. After the plant blooms, trimming back the spent flowers can promote a second flowering. Pruning is typically needed once a year, preferably in the spring or immediately after flowering. Some additional light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Red Feather Clover (Trifolium rubens) should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level between 7.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingRed Feather Clover (Trifolium rubens) is typically not repotted frequently as it is a perennial plant that prefers to be left undisturbed. It may only need repotting if it outgrows its container, which is usually after several years.
Humidity & MistingRed Feather Clover (Trifolium rubens) is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in conditions that mimic its natural outdoor environment, which is typically not overly humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure sufficient light and good air circulation for indoor Red Feather Clover.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleTrifolium rubens, commonly known as the Red Feather Clover, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable. The seeds develop into small seedlings with characteristic trifoliate (three-parted) leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a deep taproot and a rosette of leaves close to the ground level. During the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, Red Feather Clover produces elongated, dense, and feathery flower heads that are a striking red or pink color, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into small pods containing the seeds. The plant completes its life cycle by the seeds ripening and eventually dropping to the ground, where they can remain dormant for several years before germinating to start the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Red feather clover, or Trifolium rubens, is typically propagated through seed. The best time for sowing seeds is either in early spring or in fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are mild. To propagate red feather clover by seed, you should start by preparing the soil with proper tilling and weed removal. Sow the seeds directly onto a well-draining soil surface and lightly cover them with soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the area gently but thoroughly to ensure the seeds are moistened without being washed away. Maintain the soil moisture until germination occurs, which usually takes about two weeks under optimal conditions. Seedlings will emerge and can be thinned if necessary to prevent overcrowding as they grow.
