Family: Fabaceae
strawberry clover
Botanical Illustration
Flora.cyberia
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Trifolium: from tres for three; folium for leaves
Plants: prostrate perennial, 1.5' tall forb; stoloniferous
Leaves: 3-parted
Flowers: brown
Habitat: sun
Conservation Status: Introduced - locally established
Plants: prostrate perennial, 1.5' tall forb; stoloniferous
Leaves: 3-parted
Flowers: brown
Habitat: sun
Conservation Status: Introduced - locally established
Moist lawns, road shoulders, gravel lots, and muddy, open soil; often in areas influenced by road salt. Not collected in the state until 1997, when found in Fond du Lac Co. by Katherine D. Rill. It was then discovered in Brown Co. in 2002, where it has since spread rapidly as evidenced by the numerous collections made there by Gary Fewless. It was found in surrounding counties (Kewaunee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, and Winnebago) shortly thereafter. It seems to have since spread widely in Outagamie and Winnebago Cos. and into Sheboygan Co., where found in 2020. In 2019 it was discovered in the southeast (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Waukesha Cos.) but had probably been there for longer. It can form extensive patches in lawns along the edges of parking lots and roadsides where snow and road salt are plowed or piled. The odd, inflated calyces give fruiting plants a very distinctive look.
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.
Botanical Illustration
Flora.cyberia
