We delve into the world of botany and uncover five plants that look like clover, and each has unique characteristics. If you’re a fan of clover, you’ll love this article.
From the delicate white flowers of the oxalis plant to the vibrant red blooms of trefoil, this article will educate you on these fascinating plants and help you decide which one is the perfect addition to your garden.
So, explore the similarities and differences of these clover lookalikes with us and expand your botanical knowledge!
Contents
A Look at Some Plants That Look Like Clover
1. Wood Sorrel
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Wood sorrel, also known as oxalis, is a small perennial herb commonly found in woodlands, meadows, and gardens. It is characterized by its delicate, clover-like leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are typically green, but some varieties have purple or red leaves.
The small, five-petaled flowers are typically white, pink, or yellow and bloom from spring to fall. The plant reproduces via underground rhizomes and produces small, tubular-shaped fruits. Wood sorrel is edible and can be used in salads and as a garnish for soups and stews. It is also used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The plant is a small perennial herb characterized by its delicate, clover-like leaves, small, five-petaled flowers, and tubular-shaped fruits. It is edible, medicinal, and commonly found in woodlands, meadows, and gardens.
2. Black Medic
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Medicago lupulina, also known as a black medic, is a common prostrate broadleaf weed found throughout the United States and Southern Canada. This member of the legume family (Fabaceae) is native to Europe and temperate Asia and is also known as yellow trefoil, black clover, and hop medic.
It is commonly found as a weed in dry, sunny turf and waste ground, such as along roadsides and railroad tracks, but it can also be a nuisance in gardens and fields. Because it outcompetes soft grass, the black medic can indicate low soil nitrogen in lawns. Black medic and whitish clover can grow in similar environments and frequently grow together on turf.
Although it is classified as a cool annual summer season, some plants may survive to act as a perennial in mild winters. It spreads easily by seed and forms large colonies if left alone.
Black medic has a long taproot that penetrates most soils. From the base, several trailing, slightly hairy stems emerge. The plant spreads up to 2 feet and grows close to the ground but does not root along the stems.
Black medic, like other legumes, has a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is used by the growing plant. Still, nearby plants can also use some.
3. Spotted Deadnettle
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The spotted deadnettle, Lamium maculatum, is one of about 50 species in the genus Lamium, which is native to Europe, temperate western Asia, and North Africa. The common name “deadnettle” refers to the leaves’ resemblance to stinging nettles, but without the sting (hence “dead”). This herbaceous perennial grows prostrately and is hardy in zones 3-8.
This near-evergreen (at least in mild climates) plant is typically a low (6-9 inch tall) spreading plant that can become mounded. The plant’s branch is only at the base, with the square, hollow trailing stems rooting as they spread to form a dense mat. The opposite leaves are toothed, pointed oval to triangular to heart-shaped, and can grow to be more than 3 inces long on petioles as long as 112 inches.
The downy to softly hairy leaves are green with a white or silver stripe down the midvein or other markings or variegation in various cultivars and are unpleasantly scented when bruised. Leaf size, shape, variegation, and hairiness vary greatly.
4. Shamrock Plant
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The cultivated Shamrock plant (Oxalis regnellii) comes in hundreds of varieties and is widely available in stores around Saint Patrick’s Day. It has clover-shaped leaves that vary in shades of green and purple.
Throughout the growing season, shamrock plants bloom with delicate white or pink flowers that peek out from clusters of leaves. These whimsical, living good luck symbols can be enjoyed during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
In a few ways, shamrock plants differ from most house plants. Shamrock plants grow from tiny bulbs that can be planted outside in the fall or early spring, depending on your hardiness zone. They also fold up at night and reopen when the light comes back.
In the summer, these plants require a dormant period and will begin to shut down, which Shamrock plant owners sometimes mistake for the plant being dead. Shamrock plants can be grown outside in Zones 8 to 11. Grow this plant inside in colder climates and bring it outside in summer to get more sun.
Plant in full or partial sun, in well-drained soil. It has average water requirements. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Deer and rabbits rarely bother it. It looks great in woodland gardens or along low borders.
Just be careful when planting because some members of the Oxalis family are invasive in some parts of the United States. Before planting specific plants in your landscape, do extensive research on them.
5. Winged Clover
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Despite trying nearly every new seed offering that comes to market over the years, clover has always been a favorite food plot crop. The reasons for early preference for clover are straightforward and obvious.
When any gardener started growing food plots many years ago, there wasn’t much else sold specifically for planting in a food plot for wildlife—at the time; clovers were the “go-to” deer planting. However, it is known that deer are attracted to many other plants.
With only four acres of land, few tools, and little money, clover was simple to grow and perfectly suited to the environment. Try applying Roundup with a hand sprayer, work the soil with a garden tiller, and sow the seed and spread fertilizer with a plastic spreader.
Clover grows quickly and produces unexpected beauty. Clover fills empty, brown lawn patches, keeping them green and lush all season.
Plants bloom in various hues, from pink and purple to deep crimson. Flowers bloom throughout the season, attracting butterflies to the landscape. Plant clover in dense plantings to cover bare soil or to add ornamental interest to fields and weedy areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several plants closely resemble clover, including Wood sorrel, Black Medic, Spotted deadnettle, Shamrock plant, and Winged clover. Keep the points below in mind:
- Each of these plants has unique characteristics and benefits, making them great additions to any garden or landscape.
- It’s important to note that while these plants may resemble clover, they do not all have the same nutritional value or uses.
- Overall, these plants resembling clover add diversity and interest to any outdoor space.
- They can be used in various ways, including as an edible plant, a cover crop, or simply as a decorative element.
Consider these plants as an alternative to clover, which may better fit your specific needs or goals.
References:
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/black_medic.html
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