The "official" clover genus Trifolium includes more than 245 subspecies. The best-known and agriculturally most used representative of this genus is the meadow clover (Trifolium pratense), which is also known as red clover because of the red flowers.

For some an unloved weed, for others an easy-care ornamental plant: the clover

Wanted poster for the meadow or red clover

  • Scientific name: Trifolium pratense
  • Plant Family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
  • Growth height: between 15 and 50 centimeters depending on location and soil
  • Flower: Spherical and 3 to 4 centimeters in size, violet-red to white-pink in color, calyx hairy
  • Leaves: alternate and stalked with ovate stipules
  • Flowering period: late April to October
  • Occurrence: Rich meadows, fields, light forests
  • Pollen plant for bees and nectar plant for bumblebees
  • Ingredients of medicinal importance: phytoestrogens and isoflavonoids

Reasons for using it as green manure

The meadow clover and other types of clover can be used as green manure in the garden or in agriculture, as they ensure that the nodule bacteria on the roots enrich the soil with nitrogen. In addition, the impressive root length of red clover also ensures that compacted soil is deeply loosened and thus prepared for the subsequent cultivation of useful plants. When using red clover as green manure in the garden, however, it should not be exaggerated, as this can sometimes lead to an infestation with the clover shrew. This is a beetle whose larvae eat holes in the clover leaves and also feed on the flowers.

Use the meadow clover as a natural remedy

Like other types of clover, the meadow clover is edible, but consumption should not exceed a certain level due to the oxalic acid it contains. Red clover flowers are commonly used as a decorative and flavorful ingredient in the following dishes:

  • spreads
  • salads
  • soups

You can sow the red clover in pots for use in the kitchen or germinate in a special sprout germinator. Then the seedlings can be used like cress after about 5 to 8 days. Red clover is said to have health-promoting effects on the following clinical pictures:

  • diarrhea
  • intestinal inflammation
  • menopausal symptoms
  • rheumatism
  • gout
  • to cough

tips

The flowers of the meadow clover can be dried and used to prepare teas. For this, 2 heaped teaspoons of meadow clover blossoms are scalded with a cup of hot water. After about 10 minutes you can strain the flowers and sweeten the tea with a little honey if necessary. Do not drink more than 3 cups of red clover tea per day and do not do the red clover regimen for more than 5 weeks.

Category:

Herbs