Trifolium vesiculosum Savi - Arrow-leaf Clover
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Stipule.
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowers, close-up.
Calyx.
Flowering - April - June.
Habitat - Roadsides, railroads, old fields, disturbed sites. Also cultivated.
Origin - Native to southern Europe.
Other information - This attractive yet weedy species can be found scattered throughout most of Alabama and is probably more common than has been reported. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its dark stems (in strong sun), large size, white and pink flowers, and inflated calices. The flowers of the plant are first white, then become pink, and finally turn brown, leaving a three-colored inflorescence. The leaflets of the leaves have a "v" shape splotch.
The genus name Trifolium derives from the Latin "tri" meaning "three" and "foli" meaning "a leaf."
The species epithet vesiculosum deives from the Latin "vesicul(o)" meaning "a little bladder, blister" referring to the inflated calices.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 120 near Atlanta, GA., 5-28-05.