Trifolium lappaceum — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Trifolium lappaceum

Trifolium Lappaceum

Updated · 88 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Trifolium lappaceum, the burdock clover, is a species of annual herb in the family Fabaceae. They have a self-supporting growth form and compound, broad leaves.

A note from PlantMom

Burdock clover has strong resistance to disease and is generally not likely to suffer from illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are typically not serious. For care, this plant needs a moderate amount of attention. It requires regular pruning to keep a good appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Burdock clover is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Trifolium Lappaceum.

Light

Burdock clover comes from bright, open habitats and does best in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving nature.

Water

Burdock clover thrives with consistent moisture, which mirrors the moderate rainfall of its native habitat. To keep it healthy, water it weekly, ensuring the soil remains balanced—not too dry or too damp. As an herbaceous plant, burdock clover grows best outdoors, where it can benefit from natural rainwater during its growing season.

Temperature

Burdock clover can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, yet its distribution may still be restricted by various combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with adequate rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather and prolonged high temperatures can increase the likelihood of Burdock clover dying. In winter, proper protection from the cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Fertilizer

Burdock clover benefits from regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should fertilize Burdock clover about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Burdock clover thrive.

Pruning

Pruning burdock clover from early to late spring encourages healthy growth and vibrant blooming. By trimming dead stems, you can reduce the risk of disease and improve air circulation. Regular maintenance not only enhances the plant's appearance but also boosts its overall health, maximizing its ornamental and ecological benefits.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Trifolium
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
10 cm to 49 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Morocco, Slovenia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iraq, France, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Lebanon, Syria, Italy, Spain, Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Turkmenistan
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Bur clover en Burdock clover en Lappa clover
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Burdock clover?

To water Burdock clover, there are various options available such as using a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or any other common watering tool. The plant is not too particular about the water source, and it can thrive with rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. It is generally advised to avoid watering this plant from above to prevent damage to the leaves and flowers and to reduce the risk of disease. For optimal watering, setting up a drip irrigation system is often the best choice as it delivers water evenly and directly to the soil. If you have a Burdock clover in a container, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap water to directly water the soil.

What are the sunlight requirements for Burdock clover?

Burdock clover, scientifically known as Trifolium lappaceum, thrives in bright and open environments, requiring full sun of above 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. It can also manage in partial sun, getting about 3-6 hours of sunlight. However, when grown indoors or in spaces with inadequate natural light, artificial lighting can provide a supplementary solution. To mimic natural sunlight, LED lights or other types of grow lights should be considered, with intensity and duration adjusted according to the plant's needs. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden can help in choosing the best spots that offer a balance of light and shade, contributing to the plants' well-being.

What is the botanical name of Burdock clover?

Burdock clover is botanically known as Trifolium lappaceum.

What should I do if I give my Burdock clover too much or too little water?

To remedy underwatering Burdock clover, simply water it more regularly when it appears dry. Overwatering, however, can be a bigger problem due to potential diseases and decline. To prevent this, select a location with ample sunlight to dry the soil and good drainage to prevent waterlogging. If overwatering occurs in a potted Burdock clover, consider repotting it with loose soil and a well-draining pot.

What are the signs of sunlight deficiency in Burdock clover?

When Burdock clover is not receiving sufficient sunlight, several symptoms may occur, including the growth of smaller leaves than usual, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, halted or no new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. Chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching are other severe symptoms indicating either too much or too little light. These symptoms show the plant's struggle with inadequate light conditions or overexposure, indicating the necessity to adjust its growing environment for better health.

How many times should I water my Burdock clover plant?

Burdock clover requires regular watering throughout the growing season. In the spring, watering once a week is sufficient. As the season progresses and temperatures rise, you may need to water two to three times per week. However, be cautious not to exceed this frequency as it can harm the plant. It is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated, regardless of the watering frequency. When watering Burdock clover in a pot, you will likely need to water more frequently compared to plants in the ground, as pot soil dries out faster. Generally, watering a container-grown Burdock clover a few times per week is recommended, while an in-ground plant can be watered once a week.

How can you address sunlight deficiency for indoor and outdoor Burdock clover plants?

To address sunlight deficiency in Burdock clover, several measures can be taken. For indoor plants, gradually moving them to a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended. If the plant is large or not easily movable, consider using artificial lighting, keeping lamps on for at least 8 hours a day. For outdoor plants, it's vital to gradually move them to sunnier spots, avoiding sudden changes in light exposure to prevent sunburn. If plants are found in areas with obstructions like trees, consider pruning to allow more sunlight through. For smaller plants, transplanting during their dormant period to a sunnier location with good drainage might be beneficial. Note that parts of the plant already affected by insufficient sunlight may not recover, but new growth should be healthy after adjusting light exposure.

How much water does my Burdock clover require?

There are a few different ways to determine how much water to give your Burdock clover. One method is to feel the soil for moisture and water until the first six inches are moist. Another method is to use a set measurement, such as giving about two gallons of water per week depending on the temperature and soil dryness. However, following strict guidelines can lead to overwatering if the plant needs less. When growing Burdock clover in a container, you should moisten all layers of dry soil by testing with your finger or waiting for excess water to drain from the pot.

How do I know if I'm watering my Burdock clover enough?

Avoiding overwatering your Burdock clover can be a little challenging due to a few different factors. On one hand, these plants have deep roots that require weekly watering to keep the soil moist. However, Burdock clover is highly susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by excessive watering. Overwatering can also lead to browning of the leaves. Underwatering is less likely to be an issue as these plants can survive for some time without additional watering. However, if the plant goes too long without water, it will start to wilt and the leaves may become dry.

How do I water my Burdock clover throughout the year?

As the season progresses, you can expect your Burdock clover to need more water. In spring, watering once per week should be sufficient. However, during the hot summer months, you may need to increase the watering frequency to about three times per week, especially if your Burdock clover is in a container. Container soil tends to dry out faster in warm weather compared to ground soil. In autumn, when the temperature has dropped and the sun is not as intense, your Burdock clover may require less water, even though it is still in bloom.

How do I water my Burdock clover at different growth stages?

Throughout the year, Burdock clover goes through different growth stages, each with varying water requirements. When starting as a seed, it's essential to provide more water to ensure germination. Watering should be frequent to maintain soil moisture. Once the clover sprouts, it will need slightly less water than in the seedling phase. When the plant reaches maturity, a regular watering frequency of about once per week is suitable. During flower development, it may be necessary to give slightly more water to support the process.

How does watering Burdock clover inside and outside compare?

Most Burdock clover plants prefer to grow outdoors for a few reasons. Firstly, they tend to grow tall, which might pose difficulties if kept indoors. Secondly, these plants require a significant amount of daily sunlight, which is often lacking in indoor growing spaces. However, if you can create a suitable indoor environment, you may find that your Burdock clover needs more frequent watering compared to growing them outdoors. This is partly because indoor locations tend to be drier due to HVAC units, and the soil in containers can dry out quickly too.

PLATES
Trifolium lappaceum leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Trifolium lappaceum leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Trifolium lappaceum flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Trifolium lappaceum flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Trifolium lappaceum fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Trifolium lappaceum fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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