Trifolium reflexum, the Buffalo Clover,[2] is a species of clover native to the Eastern United States. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas.[3] It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.
| Trifolium reflexum | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Trifolium |
| Species: | T. reflexum
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| Binomial name | |
| Trifolium reflexum | |
Early in the European colonization of the Americas, clover species, likely including T. reflexum as well as related species such as T. stoloniferum, were recorded as forming a major component of the plant life in meadows and open woodlands, often in association with river cane, nettles, and other legumes.[4]
Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, Trifolium reflexum's populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.[5] Controlled burns have been found to stimulate seed germination in T. reflexum.[6]
As host plant
editBuffalo clover is a host plant for the caterpillars of the following butterfly species:
Gallery
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Trifolium reflexum - Close-up of flowers -
Top of flower -
Adaxial side of leaf, showing chevrons and slight pubescence -
Pubescent stem, stipule, and petioles
References
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- ^ "Trifolium reflexum". NatureServe. Retrieved 2014-07-03.
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Trifolium reflexum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
- ^ Missouriplants
- ^ Campbell, Julian; Evans, Marc; Medley, Max E.; Taylor, Norman L. (1988). "BUFFALO CLOVERS IN KENTUCKY (TRIFOLIUM STOLONIFERUM AND T. REFLEXUM): HISTORICAL RECORDS, PRESETTLEMENT ENVIRONMENT, REDISCOVERY, ENDANGERED STATUS, CULTIVATION AND CHROMOSOME NUMBER". Rhodora. 90 (864).
- ^ Ohio Department of Natural Resources
- ^ "Trifolium Reflexum (Buffalo clover)". NC State Extension.
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