Hop Clover

(Trifolium aureum)

Hop Clover (Trifolium aureum Pollich)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Plant erect. Flowers yellow, pealike, arranged in a round cluster. Flower 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter. As the flower heads age, the florets fold down and become brown suggesting a dried hop. Stem smooth. Leaf with 3 leaflets, the top leaflet sessile at the junction without a small petiole and not notched at the tip. Plant 6 to 16 inches.

Distribution: Throughout most of eastern North America and the Pacific Coast region, but absent from the central and southwestern states, the southeastern United States, and most of the Rocky Mountain region.

Habitat: Found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, lawns, and empty lots.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: Smaller Hop Clover, as its name suggests is smaller and usually prostrate on the ground. The upper leaflet of a leaf usually has a distinct petiole and a notch at its tip. Least Hop Clover has tiny flower heads with only 5 to 15 flowers. Spotted Medick has a dark spot on each leaflet. The stems of Black Medick are hairy and the tip of each leaflet usually has a small spine.