Water
Water Trifolium alpestre moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Overwatering is more detrimental than underwatering for this species.
Also known as Alpine Trefoil · Alpine Zigzag Clover · Mountain Zigzag Clover
Owl-Head Clover (Trifolium alpestre) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia, featuring dense, owl-head-shaped flower heads.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates and is cold-hardy, tolerating light frost.
Low
25% intensity
Prefers nutrient-poor soil; fertilize sparingly only if growth is weak.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Trifolium alpestre moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Overwatering is more detrimental than underwatering for this species.
Pruning is generally not required for Trifolium alpestre. Deadheading spent flower heads can tidy the appearance and potentially encourage a second, smaller bloom.
If the plant becomes leggy or untidy, light trimming can be done in early spring.
Propagate Trifolium alpestre by seed. Sow seeds in early spring, either directly into the garden or in pots. Stratification is not usually necessary.
Division of established clumps in early spring is also a viable method.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Trifolium alpestre, as it is often grown as a groundcover or in its natural habitat. If container-grown and root-bound, repot in early spring into a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Owl-Head Clover (Trifolium alpestre)
Where Owl-Head Clover (Trifolium alpestre) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
| Species | Trifolium alpestre |
Similar in genus Trifolium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
