Trifolium repens

Dutch clover

Trifolium repens, commonly known as white clover, is a versatile perennial herb widely distributed across temperate regions. Renowned for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, it plays a vital role in soil health. Beyond ecology, it holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices, often used to support digestive health and soothe skin.

  • Scientific name: Trifolium repens
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Trifolium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Trifolium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Trifolium repens, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 白三叶草 (zh-hans) or 白车轴草 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese, it is known as 白三葉草 (zh-hant). This nomenclature remains consistent in Hong Kong (zh-hk) as 白三葉草 and in Singapore (zh-sg) as 白三叶草.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 白三叶草 Wikidata
zh-hant 白三葉草 Wikidata
zh-hk 白三葉草 Wikidata
zh-cn 白车轴草 Wikidata
zh-sg 白三叶草 Wikidata
zh-tw 菽草 Wikidata
pl koniczyna biała Wikidata
eu Hirusta zuri Wikidata
ko 토끼풀 Wikidata
fr Trèfle blanc Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence extends further north to include the territories of Finland and Iceland. Additionally, the species is documented in the Faroe Islands, locally known as Føroyar. Finally, its geographical range encompasses the various landscapes of Great Britain.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known commonly as white clover, offers various components for medicinal use, though the whole plant is often the most frequently utilized in traditional preparations. The leaves are particularly notable, characterized by their trifoliate structure and often featuring a distinct white crescent mark that distinguishes them. Additionally, the tiny seeds can be collected and used, contributing to the overall medicinal profile of the species.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Trifolium repens has 58 reported phytochemicals identified across 62 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linamarin, peroxidase, starch, trifoliin, Al.

Total chemicals
58
Scientific sources
62

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
linamarin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
peroxidase 2 ★☆☆☆☆
starch 2 ★☆☆☆☆
trifoliin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Al 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Co 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cr 1 ★☆☆☆☆
GH3 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Trifolium repens has 13 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antiaging, Antibacterial.

Total activities
13
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiaging 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Trifolium repens has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Pseudomonas syringae, antidiabetic, eczema, fever, inflammation.

Total uses
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Pseudomonas syringae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eczema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
psoriasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆