Hare's-foot clover

Hare's-foot Clover

©Philip Precey

Hare's-foot clover

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Scientific name: Trifolium arvense
The downy hairs that cover the pale pink flowers of Hare's-foot clover give it the look of a Hare's paw - hence the common name. Look out for this clover around the coast and on dry grasslands.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 25cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

June to September

About

Hare's-foot clover is a widespread plant of dry grasslands and sandy soils, inland and at the coast. The pale pink flowers appear from June until September and are covered in soft hairs, giving it the downy look of a Hare's or Rabbit's paw, hence the common name.

What to look for

Like other clovers, Hare's-foot clover has trefoil leaves, but with relatively narrow leaflets. The pale pink flowers are borne in oval heads. The hair that covers the flowers is a distinguishing feature of this clover.

Where to find

Found in coastal areas around the UK, as well as inland in Central and Eastern England.

Did you know?

There are around 30 native or naturalised clover species occurring in the UK, many of which provide nectar for butterflies and foodplants for their larvae.