File:Trifolium repens plant2 (10733930433).jpg

Introduced, yearlong-green, annual or perennial, hairless mat-forming legume with stolons. Leaves have 3 broad-obovate leaflets, each 6-40 mm long and on stalks of equal length; white crescent markings may be present. Flowerheads are dense, ball-like clusters of more than 20 small, white, pea-like flowers. Flowering is throughout the year. A native of Europe, it is one of the most widely sown and naturalized clovers on the coast. Grows on a wide range of soil types provided they have medium to high fertility (especially phosphorus and sulfur) and drainage. Tolerant of soil acidity (pHCa > 4.5) and soil aluminium (production <10% - persistence < 20% of CEC). Provides high quality feed for livestock, is suitable for hay or silage and provides a high potential nitrogen input to soils. Can be a high bloat risk when abundant in pastures and in some areas it is susceptible to nematodes. Varieties vary in the abundance of stolons and the size of the stems and leaves. Select varieties to suit the particular grazing management and climate. Can be surface-sown or direct-drilled into existing pasture and combines well with many perennial grasses and herbs. Can withstand close grazing. Vigorous grass growth may outcompete it; keep pastures less than 15 cm in