Buffalo Clover
Trifolium reflexum Linnaeus
Buffalo Clover: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/3861
Synonyms
Trifolium reflexum var. glabrum 
Tags
Extirpated

Source: Wikipedia

Trifolium reflexum

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Trifolium
Species:
T. reflexum
Binomial name
Trifolium reflexum

Trifolium reflexum, the Buffalo Clover,[2] is a species of clover native to the Eastern United States. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas.[3] It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.

Early in the European colonization of the Americas, clover species, likely including T. reflexum as well as related species such as T. stoloniferum, were recorded as forming a major component of the plant life in meadows and open woodlands, often in association with river cane, nettles, and other legumes.[4]

Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, Trifolium reflexum's populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.[5] Controlled burns have been found to stimulate seed germination in T. reflexum.[6]

As host plant

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Buffalo clover is a host plant for the caterpillars of the following butterfly species:

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  • Trifolium reflexum - Close-up of flowers
    Trifolium reflexum - Close-up of flowers
  • Top of flower
    Top of flower
  • Adaxial side of leaf, showing chevrons and slight pubescence
    Adaxial side of leaf, showing chevrons and slight pubescence
  • Pubescent stem, stipule, and petioles
    Pubescent stem, stipule, and petioles

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Trifolium reflexum.
  1. ^ "Trifolium reflexum". NatureServe. Retrieved 2014-07-03.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ NRCS. "Trifolium reflexum". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  3. ^ "Missouriplants". Archived from the original on 2018-06-30. Retrieved 2014-07-04.
  4. ^ Campbell, Julian; Evans, Marc; Medley, Max E.; Taylor, Norman L. (1988). "BUFFALO CLOVERS IN KENTUCKY (TRIFOLIUM STOLONIFERUM AND T. REFLEXUM): HISTORICAL RECORDS, PRESETTLEMENT ENVIRONMENT, REDISCOVERY, ENDANGERED STATUS, CULTIVATION AND CHROMOSOME NUMBER". Rhodora. 90 (864).
  5. ^ Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  6. ^ "Trifolium Reflexum (Buffalo clover)". NC State Extension.


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