War on Weeds—weeds are everybody’s problem

THE ISSUE:  White Clover

 White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial cool season legume. White clover is often considered a nuisance in both lawns and pastures. In nitrogen-deficient lawns, it creates unsightly dark green patches that contrast sharply with the surrounding grass. Its creeping growth habit allows it to spread aggressively, often crowding out desirable turf species. In pastures, white clover is generally less desirable than other, more productive legume species. It is commonly found in grazed areas because it tolerates and survives overgrazing better than many other forage plants.

The plant’s leaves are trifoliate, measuring approximately ¼ to ¾ inch long. Occasionally a leaf may be found that looks like a “four-leaf clover”.   Leaflet edges are slightly serrated and have a small notch at the tip. Leaves have a light green/grey “V” or “U” shaped pattern running through the middle of the leaf. White clover reproduces by stolons and by seed. As stolons (above ground reproductive stems) elongate along the soil surface, the plant sends out roots at nodes, allowing the plant to spread forming large patches. Seed is produced in globe shaped clusters of small, white flowers that are typically pinkish at the base.  Each flower cluster may contain 20-40 individual flowers, each containing a single seed

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options:  

• Cultural – Use management practices like fertilization, irrigation, aeration, and grazing to favor healthy grass growth. 

• Mechanical – raise mower blades to 2.5- 3 inches and prevent overgrazing. White clover thrives in short-mowed lawns and overgrazed pastures.

• Chemical – Can be controlled chemically with several broadleaf herbicides in the spring or fall. A complete list of approved chemicals is available on www.pnwhandbooks.org. Under the Weed dropdown menu select Horticultural Weed Management and then select Turfgrass. Always read and follow herbicide label directions!

For more information on controlling White Clover visit https://content-hub.uidaho.edu/api/public/content/2925cefe09734777bc043b28c203ca5e?v=873df86a

Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Educator in Caribou County. (208) 547-3205 [email protected]  and Tom Jacobsen, University of Idaho Extension Educator in Fremont County. (208) 624-3102
[email protected]