MSU Extension Turf

White Clover

Weeds

clover, white trefoil, Dutch clover, honeysuckle clover, purplewort

Trifolium repens

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White clover is one of the most common weeds of turfgrass. It is frequently included on lists of difficult-to-control weeds. White clover, as with all legumes, has the ability to survive under low soil nitrogen conditions. It can be identified by the three leaflets attached to one petiole. The leaflets are often characterized by a crescent moon-shaped watermark. Clover patches can be very conspicuous under nutrient poor conditions as it maintains vigorous growth and dark green color. Once established, it may survive under extreme conditions, even on putting greens.

• Crops Affected: turf

  Management

  Management of clover is most dramatically affected nitrogen fertilization. Increased turfgrass vigor can dramatically reduce the competitiveness or white clover.

  Similar Species

  White clover is one of several trifoliate weeds of turfgrass. Black medic can be distinguished from white clover by its lack of a crescent-moon shaped watermark and a center leaflet which has a separate petioliole. Yellow woodsorrel is a trifoliate that also lacks the watermark and has deeply indented heart-shaped leaflets.